What do you think?
Rate this book
This and Every Life
Once upon a time, a man chose love.
Do you believe you can know someone inside and out? Know every piece of them. Their passion, their pain, their happiness and grief?
Do you think it’s possible there’s one person out there who's meant entirely for you? That out of everyone you meet in your lifetime and everyone you miss, you’ll find them without fail?
Fate.
Soulmates.
Do you believe in it?
I didn’t. But everything changed with him.
This and Every Life is an unforgettable tale of love overcoming all. Embark on an emotional journey in this MM romance with a hint of magical realism and a HEA written in the stars.
Do you believe you can know someone inside and out? Know every piece of them. Their passion, their pain, their happiness and grief?
Do you think it’s possible there’s one person out there who's meant entirely for you? That out of everyone you meet in your lifetime and everyone you miss, you’ll find them without fail?
Fate.
Soulmates.
Do you believe in it?
I didn’t. But everything changed with him.
This and Every Life is an unforgettable tale of love overcoming all. Embark on an emotional journey in this MM romance with a hint of magical realism and a HEA written in the stars.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2025
536 people are currently reading
1861 people want to read
About the author
Emmy Sanders
25 books1,713 followersEmmy Sanders, author of sweet, steamy, swoony MM romance, would describe herself as a lover of love. She's obsessed with both reading and writing romance and believes everyone deserves their happy ending. Queer herself, Emmy has a soft spot for LGBTQ+ fiction, but MM is where her heart lies. Her debut novel, Fool Hearts, released in 2022.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
September 30, 2025
I have already seen a wide variety in ratings for this book and honestly I kind of get the broad range of experiences and I think that a lot of it comes down to expectations because I think that the blurb kind of sets up some false impressions of what you are in for.
This story is essentially comprised of 4 seperate novellas that are (at various times) more or less loosely interconnected.
I found the concept of this story to hold a lot of promise but there were a few things that annoyed me, primarily that the era’s of each novella was not clearly established so you were stuck playing guessing games with context clues and it all felt a bit loosely goosey and for me made it hard to place the story historically at any given time and impacted on my ability to head cinema it.
From what I have gathered, the first story is set during the late 1700s and features the love at first sight of two young men across a class divide. The second story is set during the mid/late 1800s and features a trans character prior to gender affirming care. At best guess the third story is set during the early 2010s, due to the existence of mobile phones and features an aro/ace character and the fourth story is set in some undefined future. Honestly, the fourth is the one that the timing confuses me the most, because it felt current day? But it couldn’t be if story three was the early 2010s? So god knows how that works. Kinda bummed that we missed the opportunity for something from more modern history too as jumping 100 ish years means we missed some eras of fantastic potential. I did really appreciate the very broad spectrum of gender identities represented here though.
I feel like this whole story would have worked better if it adopted the fourth story as its main narrative base for the exploration of the other stories in the timeline, rather than the sort of stepping stone format we got.
Honestly, one of my biggest take aways from this is that I think we need to leave the reincarnation/past life stories to 1300+ page danmei’s because its too challenging to get the depth of emotion and world building required for a story like this to really get the meat needed to resonate deeply and in a significant way in just 350 pages.
This was a perfectly fine time, Emmy Sanders is established enough as an author that you know the writing skill is perfectly serviceable but I suspect this will be a story that leaves little impression on me in the long run.
This story is essentially comprised of 4 seperate novellas that are (at various times) more or less loosely interconnected.
I found the concept of this story to hold a lot of promise but there were a few things that annoyed me, primarily that the era’s of each novella was not clearly established so you were stuck playing guessing games with context clues and it all felt a bit loosely goosey and for me made it hard to place the story historically at any given time and impacted on my ability to head cinema it.
From what I have gathered, the first story is set during the late 1700s and features the love at first sight of two young men across a class divide. The second story is set during the mid/late 1800s and features a trans character prior to gender affirming care. At best guess the third story is set during the early 2010s, due to the existence of mobile phones and features an aro/ace character and the fourth story is set in some undefined future. Honestly, the fourth is the one that the timing confuses me the most, because it felt current day? But it couldn’t be if story three was the early 2010s? So god knows how that works. Kinda bummed that we missed the opportunity for something from more modern history too as jumping 100 ish years means we missed some eras of fantastic potential. I did really appreciate the very broad spectrum of gender identities represented here though.
I feel like this whole story would have worked better if it adopted the fourth story as its main narrative base for the exploration of the other stories in the timeline, rather than the sort of stepping stone format we got.
Honestly, one of my biggest take aways from this is that I think we need to leave the reincarnation/past life stories to 1300+ page danmei’s because its too challenging to get the depth of emotion and world building required for a story like this to really get the meat needed to resonate deeply and in a significant way in just 350 pages.
This was a perfectly fine time, Emmy Sanders is established enough as an author that you know the writing skill is perfectly serviceable but I suspect this will be a story that leaves little impression on me in the long run.
September 29, 2025
~1.5~
Turns out if the blurb tells you nothing, it's because there's nothing to tell.
This and Every Life isn't a novel. It's four novellas, loosely intertwined.
The stories are not grounded in time and place. There are mentions of horses, carriages, hand-drawn baths, Hollywood, electric vehicles, but none of this adds up to something real and solid.
The relationships exist in silo. It's all very random until the last novella, where the concept of soulmates in continuum is rammed down our throats with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
My low rating doesn't just reflect the lack of connection between the stories. It's also indicative of the lack of depth, creativity, and emotions in each individual story.
At approx. 85 pages (900 locations) each, the stories have room for complexity, growth, and world building, but are shockingly bare and beige. The MCs are static and one-dimensional; the dialogue, stilted and artificial; the narratives, bland and uninspired.
I am bowled over that this is the same author who wrote To Catch a Firefly.
If you are into the concept of two souls finding each other again and again in different lifetimes, read Eden Winters' evocative, heartwrenching Duet.
P.S. There are valid reasons to dislike this book, but being "blindsided by MF content" is not one of them. The second story features a transgender man born in the wrong body before gender-affirming care existed, and fucking obviously, trangender men are men.
Turns out if the blurb tells you nothing, it's because there's nothing to tell.
This and Every Life isn't a novel. It's four novellas, loosely intertwined.
The stories are not grounded in time and place. There are mentions of horses, carriages, hand-drawn baths, Hollywood, electric vehicles, but none of this adds up to something real and solid.
The relationships exist in silo. It's all very random until the last novella, where the concept of soulmates in continuum is rammed down our throats with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
My low rating doesn't just reflect the lack of connection between the stories. It's also indicative of the lack of depth, creativity, and emotions in each individual story.
At approx. 85 pages (900 locations) each, the stories have room for complexity, growth, and world building, but are shockingly bare and beige. The MCs are static and one-dimensional; the dialogue, stilted and artificial; the narratives, bland and uninspired.
I am bowled over that this is the same author who wrote To Catch a Firefly.
If you are into the concept of two souls finding each other again and again in different lifetimes, read Eden Winters' evocative, heartwrenching Duet.
P.S. There are valid reasons to dislike this book, but being "blindsided by MF content" is not one of them. The second story features a transgender man born in the wrong body before gender-affirming care existed, and fucking obviously, trangender men are men.
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 30, 2025
This and Every Life by Emmy Sanders is a stand alone, MM romance with a touch of magic. I’ll warn you now that this is one of those books where just about anything I say would be a spoiler. So it’s just going to be a vague, emotional plea for you to please, please read this book. I finished earlier this morning and my heart is bursting. This is one of those books that will stay with you for a lifetime.
“Do you believe in fate?”
There is love, and then there is the kind of love that is so deep, so complete, so all encompassing that it spans eternity. It’s that moment when you look into a person’s eyes that you are meeting for the first time and you just know! You know that he is your soulmate, the only person that you will ever love from this day forward. That you will never have enough time with. That he will be the center of your universe from this day forward.
Emmy Sanders is such a wondrous story teller. I have only read three of her books, one rom-com, one cowboy romance, and To Catch a Firefly. This book would be closest to Firefly in the way it affected me. In the way my heart grew from having read it. This is a book of true love, of soulmates, of love that never ends. It’s a book that you need to read as much as you need to breathe.
“Sometimes I think heaven is here with you.”
“Do you believe in fate?”
There is love, and then there is the kind of love that is so deep, so complete, so all encompassing that it spans eternity. It’s that moment when you look into a person’s eyes that you are meeting for the first time and you just know! You know that he is your soulmate, the only person that you will ever love from this day forward. That you will never have enough time with. That he will be the center of your universe from this day forward.
Emmy Sanders is such a wondrous story teller. I have only read three of her books, one rom-com, one cowboy romance, and To Catch a Firefly. This book would be closest to Firefly in the way it affected me. In the way my heart grew from having read it. This is a book of true love, of soulmates, of love that never ends. It’s a book that you need to read as much as you need to breathe.
“Sometimes I think heaven is here with you.”
September 27, 2025
I think I might be the odd one out here, but 'This and Every Life' just didn't fully work for me.
Two souls are destined to find each other in every lifetime, across different time periods and identities.
I wanted to love this. However, I found it difficult to connect with most of the characters and the constant change of couples every eight or so chapters didn't help.
The biggest challenge for me was the lack of development. With so little time spent with each couple, the romances leaned heavily into insta-love which I personally struggle with. Without the slow burn or the emotional build-up, the relationships felt a bit too surface-level. I found myself craving more from each of these stories.
The one exception is Lee and Caspian's story. Their story stood out for me because of Caspian's ability to glimpse into their past and future selves. It tied the story together perfectly.
Emmy Sander's writing is stunning as always which is probably the main reason I still flew through this book despite my struggles with the story itself. But I think this book would've been so much stronger if it had been longer, giving each couple time to let their stories unfold more naturally.
If you love the soulmates through time trope, this could be the perfect read for you. Unfortunately, I'm just a girlie who needs a little more of a build-up and development.
I received an advanced copy for free through the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Two souls are destined to find each other in every lifetime, across different time periods and identities.
I wanted to love this. However, I found it difficult to connect with most of the characters and the constant change of couples every eight or so chapters didn't help.
The biggest challenge for me was the lack of development. With so little time spent with each couple, the romances leaned heavily into insta-love which I personally struggle with. Without the slow burn or the emotional build-up, the relationships felt a bit too surface-level. I found myself craving more from each of these stories.
The one exception is Lee and Caspian's story. Their story stood out for me because of Caspian's ability to glimpse into their past and future selves. It tied the story together perfectly.
Emmy Sander's writing is stunning as always which is probably the main reason I still flew through this book despite my struggles with the story itself. But I think this book would've been so much stronger if it had been longer, giving each couple time to let their stories unfold more naturally.
If you love the soulmates through time trope, this could be the perfect read for you. Unfortunately, I'm just a girlie who needs a little more of a build-up and development.
I received an advanced copy for free through the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2025
This was one of the most astoundingly beautiful books I’ve ever read.
THE PREMISE: two soulmates forever finding and loving each other across timelines and lifetimes.
TROPES & VIBES:
- MM historic/contemporary romance
- Achingly beautiful without hurting your feelings (much)
- Trans and aro ace rep
- Every version of them is so uniquely lovely. I could have read a full book on each of them
- At the start it read like novellas, then at halfway Emmy started tying everything together and I was GAGGED
- I was *moved to tears* several times
- The letters! Why Grey got into acting! Deceased
5⭐️ 3🌶️
I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review. (Thank you, Emmy xx)
THE PREMISE: two soulmates forever finding and loving each other across timelines and lifetimes.
TROPES & VIBES:
- MM historic/contemporary romance
- Achingly beautiful without hurting your feelings (much)
- Trans and aro ace rep
- Every version of them is so uniquely lovely. I could have read a full book on each of them
- At the start it read like novellas, then at halfway Emmy started tying everything together and I was GAGGED
- I was *moved to tears* several times
- The letters! Why Grey got into acting! Deceased
5⭐️ 3🌶️
I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review. (Thank you, Emmy xx)
September 28, 2025
well!
i do realize that im the odd one out so i’m going to start by saying that this book was definitely… something. i’ll try to come up with a nice term by the end of this review.
most reviews are really vague because “it’s best to read this blind”, however i was put on this earth to suffer and then warn my fellow colleagues.
all of this to say that i will say stuff about the book. i wouldn’t even call them spoilers, but considering that this book doesn’t even have a real blurb, i don’t know what to say.
maybe we should talk about the blurb first?
i do have to say that i have learned something new: if a book doesn’t have a real blurb, it probably doesn’t have a real plot.
there’s also something else you need to know, i don’t only hate magical realism, (which i will ignore since i decided to read this anyway) but also short stories. short stories are the bane of literature.
you might be wondering, “you usually go on tangents in your reviews, but what the fuck short stories have got to do with this book?”
WELL! that’s a great question!
i was led to believe that this would be a book. silly me. a book about a couple that finds each other in every life. very cute idea i wanted to read that.
what i got were four short stories that basically didn’t have anything in common with the other ones, except for the last one.
like when i tell you that it wasn’t even clear who was who in the next life, because emmy forgot to give them personalities other than their sexualities!!! but it’s not entirely her fault, it’s difficult to write compelling characters in less than 50 pages. of course, since every short story is roughly 60/70 pages, it’s insta everything! because that’s exactly what i want reading a full length book!
i could talk about the dubious historical setting and the gigantic mess that they were, but that would require brain power and i barely have any left.
i will say something positive: i did like the last short story. (no, i will not stop calling them short stories, because that’s what they are)
if the entire book would have been just that, with a focus on the other lifetimes, i think i would have liked it a lot.
i do realize that im the odd one out so i’m going to start by saying that this book was definitely… something. i’ll try to come up with a nice term by the end of this review.
most reviews are really vague because “it’s best to read this blind”, however i was put on this earth to suffer and then warn my fellow colleagues.
all of this to say that i will say stuff about the book. i wouldn’t even call them spoilers, but considering that this book doesn’t even have a real blurb, i don’t know what to say.
maybe we should talk about the blurb first?
i do have to say that i have learned something new: if a book doesn’t have a real blurb, it probably doesn’t have a real plot.
there’s also something else you need to know, i don’t only hate magical realism, (which i will ignore since i decided to read this anyway) but also short stories. short stories are the bane of literature.
you might be wondering, “you usually go on tangents in your reviews, but what the fuck short stories have got to do with this book?”
WELL! that’s a great question!
i was led to believe that this would be a book. silly me. a book about a couple that finds each other in every life. very cute idea i wanted to read that.
what i got were four short stories that basically didn’t have anything in common with the other ones, except for the last one.
like when i tell you that it wasn’t even clear who was who in the next life, because emmy forgot to give them personalities other than their sexualities!!! but it’s not entirely her fault, it’s difficult to write compelling characters in less than 50 pages. of course, since every short story is roughly 60/70 pages, it’s insta everything! because that’s exactly what i want reading a full length book!
i could talk about the dubious historical setting and the gigantic mess that they were, but that would require brain power and i barely have any left.
i will say something positive: i did like the last short story. (no, i will not stop calling them short stories, because that’s what they are)
if the entire book would have been just that, with a focus on the other lifetimes, i think i would have liked it a lot.
December 12, 2025
This and Every Life by Emmy Sanders
3.5⭐
If you’re curious about this book, go in blind and let yourself get swept away by the journey, because some things are simply meant to be 🥹
For me, this sits at a 3.5-star experience, but I can’t quite bring myself to rate it a 3. Even with all its flaws, it’s so original, so ambitious, and so full of heart that I’m rounding it up to 4 stars. Across all their lives, these characters earn that 4, even if some of my issues with the book made me feel a bit disconnected from them, which leave me heartbroken 😔
I love Emmy’s writing — it’s immersive, lyrical, and emotionally charged. Even when the structure didn’t fully work for me, it was impossible to feel indifferent to a love as enduring as this. It’s the kind of story that reaches across time and still manages to leave a mark.
The end, wow Emmy, just wow. That epilogue and the bonus story are just ✨🔭🌹🗡️💫🌌💘🍯. I finish this with more questions than answers, there’s a lot of plot holes and blank spaces but I ended this happy and smiling even with all that’s missing, and that’s the difference for me while reading, I may have doubts, spend the book thinking, “oh boy this is not good, this I’ll not work” but them in the very end when it clicks, booom my heart just jumps and almost forgets the dislikes and focus on the adores. It’s not completely sane I know, but that me in a nutshell 🙋🏻♀️
The rest of the review has spoilers, including tropes ,TW, love and rant.
3.5⭐
“There is not a world, not a lifetime, in which I am not his. Utterly and singularly.”
“I believe in you, my love. Which is why I can say with absolute certainty… I love you. In this and every life.”[…]
I wanted to be caught. Caught and kept close. I wanted to be loved, and I was. For millennia. Time and time again.
And I’ll be loved still, for an eternity to come.[…]
“This and every life,” I repeat. My own promise. My own vow. The absolute and utter truth. “I am yours, my warrior. And I will love you until everything goes dark.”
Whatever the next day brings, and the one after that, my future has certainly been changed.
Irrevocably.
Miraculously.
Forevermore.
If you’re curious about this book, go in blind and let yourself get swept away by the journey, because some things are simply meant to be 🥹
For me, this sits at a 3.5-star experience, but I can’t quite bring myself to rate it a 3. Even with all its flaws, it’s so original, so ambitious, and so full of heart that I’m rounding it up to 4 stars. Across all their lives, these characters earn that 4, even if some of my issues with the book made me feel a bit disconnected from them, which leave me heartbroken 😔
I love Emmy’s writing — it’s immersive, lyrical, and emotionally charged. Even when the structure didn’t fully work for me, it was impossible to feel indifferent to a love as enduring as this. It’s the kind of story that reaches across time and still manages to leave a mark.
The end, wow Emmy, just wow. That epilogue and the bonus story are just ✨🔭🌹🗡️💫🌌💘🍯. I finish this with more questions than answers, there’s a lot of plot holes and blank spaces but I ended this happy and smiling even with all that’s missing, and that’s the difference for me while reading, I may have doubts, spend the book thinking, “oh boy this is not good, this I’ll not work” but them in the very end when it clicks, booom my heart just jumps and almost forgets the dislikes and focus on the adores. It’s not completely sane I know, but that me in a nutshell 🙋🏻♀️
The rest of the review has spoilers, including tropes ,TW, love and rant.
October 5, 2025
2 ⭐ This pains me so much, Emmy Sanders is truly one of my favorite authors, but this book did just not work for me. I started this book not really knowing anything about the premise, and when it first started I really liked it. I loved the setting, the time period, the characters, I was very invested. And then it was suddenly over, and the direction it went was not expected, but I tried to keep an open mind and continue the story. But sadly, the way the story continued on really didn't work for me. I was unable to connect with the other characters we were introduced to, and to be honest, didn't care about them and their stories..
Overall, I think the idea was great, soulmates, fated romance, the whole shabam, and each story as a full-length story I belive would have been great! Cus it was nothing wrong with the various characters and their stories, but due to the way they were presented to the reader and the length, I never really felt invested in them the same way I usually do with stories by Sanders. The only characters I felt invested in was the first ones, and it still saddens me that I didn't get to read 300+ pages of their story. So as excited I was when I realized what was going on, the more disapointed I was in this book when it just didn't work, and it felt more like a chore finishing the book, than I was enjoying it.
I belive that many people will fall in love with this book, and the book is beautifully written as always, but the was not for me this time. I'm looking forward to read something else by this very talented author!
Overall, I think the idea was great, soulmates, fated romance, the whole shabam, and each story as a full-length story I belive would have been great! Cus it was nothing wrong with the various characters and their stories, but due to the way they were presented to the reader and the length, I never really felt invested in them the same way I usually do with stories by Sanders. The only characters I felt invested in was the first ones, and it still saddens me that I didn't get to read 300+ pages of their story. So as excited I was when I realized what was going on, the more disapointed I was in this book when it just didn't work, and it felt more like a chore finishing the book, than I was enjoying it.
I belive that many people will fall in love with this book, and the book is beautifully written as always, but the was not for me this time. I'm looking forward to read something else by this very talented author!
September 23, 2025
This and Every Life is a fascinating story that features recurring themes of hope, destiny, and fate. This story takes you on quite the epic journey that will tug at your heartstrings while rooting for the love story that is woven throughout. There are moments of pure happiness, mixed with sadness, while remaining hopeful. I find that the thesis of finding love throughout time was a beautiful sentiment.
Overall, I found the concept of this story epic and grandiose. The love story is complicated and full of wonder and surprise. This author takes you on a journey filled with surprises, insta love, fate and star-crossed lovers. It is a unique spin on the relationship between fate, love and time. I found it a very bold and striking concept.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall, I found the concept of this story epic and grandiose. The love story is complicated and full of wonder and surprise. This author takes you on a journey filled with surprises, insta love, fate and star-crossed lovers. It is a unique spin on the relationship between fate, love and time. I found it a very bold and striking concept.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Read
September 23, 2025I’m a firm believer that not every book is for everyone and that doesn’t make the book bad, it’s just not your cup of tea. Very much the case with this book for me. I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Emmy so far, she normally captures my heart right from the get go. This one I really struggled with, there were a lot of themes in here that just aren’t ones I enjoy and that’s okay. There were some very beautiful moments laced into this and I can see what her overall premise was but I just didn’t connect with the characters and some of those themes. This one has star crossed lovers, fate, very insta love (which is not my jam) I know plenty of friends that enjoy this trope and I would recommend them checking this out, it was beautifully written in Emmys signature style as always. I want to thank Emmy for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 1, 2025
I feel it is best to go into this book blind. With that being said, I will say I haven’t read anything like this before, and I think it was beautiful. The bonus scene was everything I needed.
October 6, 2025
This is one I will think about for a long time.
I don't want to say too much but it was a beautiful story of fate and soulmates. It's about loving somebody in whatever form that may be - unconditionally and with everything you have.
It is a book celebrating queer love and joy (in some of the many forms that can look like). And I was preparing for this book to break me but it was just really, really lovely. And all the star imagery and connecting pieces?! 👌
"I'd have loved you in whatever form you came to me. In whatever time. I would defend you with my dying breath, and I would follow you wherever it is you go. The pieces of us were made to fit. To be drawn together and shared. You told me once bound stars are destined to go out together. And I'm glad for it. Because I can't imagine a life, now or ever, without you in it."
I don't want to say too much but it was a beautiful story of fate and soulmates. It's about loving somebody in whatever form that may be - unconditionally and with everything you have.
It is a book celebrating queer love and joy (in some of the many forms that can look like). And I was preparing for this book to break me but it was just really, really lovely. And all the star imagery and connecting pieces?! 👌
"I'd have loved you in whatever form you came to me. In whatever time. I would defend you with my dying breath, and I would follow you wherever it is you go. The pieces of us were made to fit. To be drawn together and shared. You told me once bound stars are destined to go out together. And I'm glad for it. Because I can't imagine a life, now or ever, without you in it."
December 12, 2025
I'm sure there are lots of people who will adore this book, but unfortunately this didn't work for me at all and I called it quits at 55%. I usually really like Emmy Sanders' books, Malibu is one of my all time favorites, but this felt really disjointed, like you're reading short story after short story. That meant raging instalove and different settings and challenges every time. Maybe it's because I expected something very different, but the historical setting threw me off and especially the first 'short story' had way too cheesy language for me, with nicknames like 'my tender heart', 'my warrior' and just overall stilted Regency talk.
The second one was just plain unbelievable to me. It really read like a modern enlightened character (Arthur) thrown back in time. No way someone would react like that in that time period. Maybe after lots of talking and explaining, but not the day after your wedding, thinking you married a wife. Probably the soulmate thing had something to do with it, but since I didn't finish the book, I don't know how all that played out.
When I was once again thrust into a different setting, I was done. Maybe I'm just in a pissy mood today, or maybe I just wanted another Malibu and didn't get it, but for now this is it. Maybe I'll revisit later and see if the last 50% makes it better.
The second one was just plain unbelievable to me. It really read like a modern enlightened character (Arthur) thrown back in time. No way someone would react like that in that time period. Maybe after lots of talking and explaining, but not the day after your wedding, thinking you married a wife. Probably the soulmate thing had something to do with it, but since I didn't finish the book, I don't know how all that played out.
When I was once again thrust into a different setting, I was done. Maybe I'm just in a pissy mood today, or maybe I just wanted another Malibu and didn't get it, but for now this is it. Maybe I'll revisit later and see if the last 50% makes it better.
September 29, 2025
3.5⭐️ Overall, this book was lovely. The concept was romantic, the writing was beautiful.
But the problem with a collection of short stories is that not all stories will hit with the same caliber. Some stories were better than others.
I get what she was trying to achieve here, and, in a way, it worked. I adored moments and teared up a few times at the beauty of love and the heartache that they had to endure. But I really wish she had narrowed it down to just two stories, so that each character and love story could be fully fleshed out and explored.
The characters just didn’t have enough page-time to develop and marinate in my brain, and so while this was a very quick and mostly enjoyable read, the characters are completely forgettable after I close the book.
Also, the timeline was very confusing as there was no indication as to what decade/century each story took place in, which made it harder to feel for the characters and the adversity they faced.
But the problem with a collection of short stories is that not all stories will hit with the same caliber. Some stories were better than others.
I get what she was trying to achieve here, and, in a way, it worked. I adored moments and teared up a few times at the beauty of love and the heartache that they had to endure. But I really wish she had narrowed it down to just two stories, so that each character and love story could be fully fleshed out and explored.
The characters just didn’t have enough page-time to develop and marinate in my brain, and so while this was a very quick and mostly enjoyable read, the characters are completely forgettable after I close the book.
Also, the timeline was very confusing as there was no indication as to what decade/century each story took place in, which made it harder to feel for the characters and the adversity they faced.
October 2, 2025
4.5 Stars
Grateful my kindle is water resistant cuz I basically cried for the entire book.
I get why the reviews for this are mixed but I fucking loved it and I found it incredibly romantic. I love soul mate stuff so much.
My only complaint is that each story on its own was a bit too short, and I would’ve appreciated some sort of indication of the year the stories were taking place in.
Regardless, this was incredibly special and my type of story.
Grateful my kindle is water resistant cuz I basically cried for the entire book.
I get why the reviews for this are mixed but I fucking loved it and I found it incredibly romantic. I love soul mate stuff so much.
My only complaint is that each story on its own was a bit too short, and I would’ve appreciated some sort of indication of the year the stories were taking place in.
Regardless, this was incredibly special and my type of story.
October 2, 2025
4.5⭐️
A beautifully written and intensely romantic story about love through every reincarnation. Love between two people who recognize each other’s souls in any body, in any timeline.
You can expect a story with:
-fated soulmates
-multiple timelines (not overlapping)
-heartfelt letters
-fantastic representation (trans, aro/ace, chronic illness)
Many people recommend going into this book blind, but I actually think a bit of explanation can be useful so you know what to expect. This is the kind of book that had me changing my opinion about it as I read. Read the full review if you’d like to hear more ^^
First of all, let me start by praising Emmy Sanders. Her writing is absolutely stunning. It’s impactful and beautiful, without being too wordy or overly-frilly. The interactions between characters are unique, and always feel so heart-felt and intimate. You are absolutely going to get excellent writing quality and intense romanticism in this story. This is the main reason for my high rating of the book.
This book takes place over different timelines, with there being 4 main parts (timelines), as well as an epilogue. This book started out really strong, then I felt iffy in the middle, but ended fairly strong.
Part one — this has me ACHING with the romance. I was so locked in, and felt the book started so incredibly strong.
Part 2 and 3 — two additional timelines were added. While both were lovely stories, they seemed extremely disconnected from part one, except for one thread. The issue was also that the characters’ personalities were not strong enough for me to tell who was supposed to be who. I was able to guess, but it wasn’t super clear. This was the main weakness of the story. However, the trans and ace rep in these stories was beautifully done!
Part 4 & Epilogue — the threads of the other timelines are finally put together here, in yet another romantic short story. The epilogue really ties everything together, and was probably my favourite part of the story!
In all, this book was beautiful. Though the execution could have benefited from some reworking, I did really enjoy it. This story is purely about true love. ❤️
A beautifully written and intensely romantic story about love through every reincarnation. Love between two people who recognize each other’s souls in any body, in any timeline.
You can expect a story with:
-fated soulmates
-multiple timelines (not overlapping)
-heartfelt letters
-fantastic representation (trans, aro/ace, chronic illness)
Many people recommend going into this book blind, but I actually think a bit of explanation can be useful so you know what to expect. This is the kind of book that had me changing my opinion about it as I read. Read the full review if you’d like to hear more ^^
First of all, let me start by praising Emmy Sanders. Her writing is absolutely stunning. It’s impactful and beautiful, without being too wordy or overly-frilly. The interactions between characters are unique, and always feel so heart-felt and intimate. You are absolutely going to get excellent writing quality and intense romanticism in this story. This is the main reason for my high rating of the book.
This book takes place over different timelines, with there being 4 main parts (timelines), as well as an epilogue. This book started out really strong, then I felt iffy in the middle, but ended fairly strong.
Part one — this has me ACHING with the romance. I was so locked in, and felt the book started so incredibly strong.
Part 2 and 3 — two additional timelines were added. While both were lovely stories, they seemed extremely disconnected from part one, except for one thread. The issue was also that the characters’ personalities were not strong enough for me to tell who was supposed to be who. I was able to guess, but it wasn’t super clear. This was the main weakness of the story. However, the trans and ace rep in these stories was beautifully done!
Part 4 & Epilogue — the threads of the other timelines are finally put together here, in yet another romantic short story. The epilogue really ties everything together, and was probably my favourite part of the story!
In all, this book was beautiful. Though the execution could have benefited from some reworking, I did really enjoy it. This story is purely about true love. ❤️
October 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Before I say anything else, Emmy Sanders sure can write! 😭
This was definitely unique. I understand the need for such a vague blurb and to go into it blind like I did, but part of me was disappointed at first when I realized it wasn’t technically a full length novel of the specific characters I got attached to in the first part.
There were moments where I thought this was incredible and gorgeous and was woven together perfectly, and moments where it stalled out for me, and one moment toward the end that made me cringe enough that it took me out of it for a minute, but I fell in love with the concept pretty quickly.
I honestly wish that every section had been longer, it felt like we needed to see more development between them, especially with how immersed I felt in part one. I think I need to read a full length historical romance next. 😂
Going into this blind is probably necessary, however I think it’s also necessary to be aware that you’re essentially reading novellas that come together nicely in the end.
Overall, I think this was a really nice book full of positive queer representation in multiple forms.
Before I say anything else, Emmy Sanders sure can write! 😭
This was definitely unique. I understand the need for such a vague blurb and to go into it blind like I did, but part of me was disappointed at first when I realized it wasn’t technically a full length novel of the specific characters I got attached to in the first part.
There were moments where I thought this was incredible and gorgeous and was woven together perfectly, and moments where it stalled out for me, and one moment toward the end that made me cringe enough that it took me out of it for a minute, but I fell in love with the concept pretty quickly.
I honestly wish that every section had been longer, it felt like we needed to see more development between them, especially with how immersed I felt in part one. I think I need to read a full length historical romance next. 😂
Going into this blind is probably necessary, however I think it’s also necessary to be aware that you’re essentially reading novellas that come together nicely in the end.
Overall, I think this was a really nice book full of positive queer representation in multiple forms.
September 27, 2025
I’m speechless 🥺 an absolutely beautifully unique book that I will never forget. I’m in awe of Emmy Sanders and this story she created.
September 30, 2025
wow
what an unusual, unique and beautiful story 🫶🏻
the warrior & the star ⭐🖤
what an unusual, unique and beautiful story 🫶🏻
the warrior & the star ⭐🖤
September 25, 2025
this is one of the most beautiful books i’ve ever read.
this book is so unique, i’ve never read anything like it, it’s truly stunning! this book has heartbreak but also so much healing.
i really don’t want to tell you anything about this book because i truly believe that going in blind is the best. just please read it
more than all the stars.
this book is so unique, i’ve never read anything like it, it’s truly stunning! this book has heartbreak but also so much healing.
i really don’t want to tell you anything about this book because i truly believe that going in blind is the best. just please read it
more than all the stars.
Read
September 26, 2025DNF at about 40%. Just not for me, at least not right now.
September 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨edited review: yall, I haven’t stopped thinking about this book. Which means I need to bump it up. Go in blind but don’t let the mystery take you out of the story, embrace it!
Absolutely beautiful story from Emmy! I went in completely blind and I would definitely recommend it.
I don’t want to say much because it will give it away.
I did feel like I was waiting on a big revelation based on people’s reactions and comments. And I wish I hadn’t bc I knew what was happening immediately and loved it! That just altered my expectations a bit.
Something about the way this was written, it just draws you in from the part one to part four. And the epilogue/ bonus was everything. So many beautiful nuances throughout.
The stars. Swiftly. Honey. My warrior. My heart.
Absolutely beautiful story from Emmy! I went in completely blind and I would definitely recommend it.
I don’t want to say much because it will give it away.
I did feel like I was waiting on a big revelation based on people’s reactions and comments. And I wish I hadn’t bc I knew what was happening immediately and loved it! That just altered my expectations a bit.
Something about the way this was written, it just draws you in from the part one to part four. And the epilogue/ bonus was everything. So many beautiful nuances throughout.
The stars. Swiftly. Honey. My warrior. My heart.
October 4, 2025
I really really wanted to love this book because I love Emmy’s writing but this book felt off for me. I think that the “magical” aspect of it was what threw me off simply because each part of the book felt like a new novella not necessarily the same love story (which I understand) but it wasn’t tied together well enough for me.
September 26, 2025
Who’s cutting onions though 🥲
I went into this blind and I highly recommend doing the same.
Without giving away the plot, it’s a highly emotional story about true love. Soul mates. Genuinely belonging, heart and soul, to another person. I’ve never read anything like this story and could literally not put it down.
It’s quite the journey as a book full of hope and longing and “against all odds”. An absolutely beautiful portrayal of love and destiny.
This book is split into 4 parts, and I loved this format because of how well it worked for the story and the pacing. Part 4 is so very rewarding, and my god, so very emotional.
“Maybe we can’t live forever. But I know down to my marrow—wherever his soul goes, mine will follow.”
If you love LOVE, this book is for you.
“I will love you no matter where. No matter when.”
I went into this blind and I highly recommend doing the same.
Without giving away the plot, it’s a highly emotional story about true love. Soul mates. Genuinely belonging, heart and soul, to another person. I’ve never read anything like this story and could literally not put it down.
It’s quite the journey as a book full of hope and longing and “against all odds”. An absolutely beautiful portrayal of love and destiny.
This book is split into 4 parts, and I loved this format because of how well it worked for the story and the pacing. Part 4 is so very rewarding, and my god, so very emotional.
“Maybe we can’t live forever. But I know down to my marrow—wherever his soul goes, mine will follow.”
If you love LOVE, this book is for you.
“I will love you no matter where. No matter when.”
September 29, 2025
Emmy has been my favorite author for a while for many reasons, but regardless of that, this is a masterpiece. The love I felt through these characters will forever stay with me. The forever love of soulmates, no matter who, no matter how. PURE LOVE! ❤️❤️❤️
October 1, 2025
✨ After its release this week, I immediately added it to KU and devoured it the moment I got the notification. It’s hard to top To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders, but this one comes pretty close. A beautiful story of love, seamlessly woven through the ages — absolutely captivating. ✨
Read
October 17, 2025Just not doing it for me. DNF and no rating.
October 3, 2025
I’m sorry, this wasn’t for me. It’s hard to grow attached to the MCs if they change skins every section, and neither section fleshes them out enough for me to be really invested. The concept was interesting but it didn’t quite work for me. Also, holy instalove.
I skimmed an insane amount which didn’t help. My fave story was the first one, it was really sweet tbh.
I skimmed an insane amount which didn’t help. My fave story was the first one, it was really sweet tbh.
![Profile Image for ash[hearts]angst.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1765847299i%2F164504656._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 28, 2025
If I could ever stop crying I’ll write a review but for now I need to keep crying 🥹🥹😭😭
Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews