What do you think?
Rate this book
Fragments Of You
Bently Harris.
He's a perplexing mess.
Serving me happiness and hurting my heart all at once.
After two years of waiting, I’m finally giving up on the secret love I hold.
That is until he shows me a tiny fragment that makes me believe he cares.
But when he leaves, my self worth might be shattered beyond repair.
When he comes back with an interesting proposition, I accept, knowing I’ll never care about him again.
Fitting, and exactly what he deserves.
◆◆◆◆◆
Nora Davis.
A sweet steady soul.
After the last girl I loved, broke my heart and threw it away,
I didn’t think loving again was in the cards for me until Nora
But there’s a problem.
I’m rotten.
I’ve wasted myself on other people to numb out the hole in my chest.
Nora deserve’s so much more than my broken fragments.
But I can’t let go, even after the mess I’ve made.
Now I’m rushing to her, making a crazy offer––one that gives my love away without knowing if I’ll get anything in return.
Exactly what I deserve if you ask me.
He's a perplexing mess.
Serving me happiness and hurting my heart all at once.
After two years of waiting, I’m finally giving up on the secret love I hold.
That is until he shows me a tiny fragment that makes me believe he cares.
But when he leaves, my self worth might be shattered beyond repair.
When he comes back with an interesting proposition, I accept, knowing I’ll never care about him again.
Fitting, and exactly what he deserves.
◆◆◆◆◆
Nora Davis.
A sweet steady soul.
After the last girl I loved, broke my heart and threw it away,
I didn’t think loving again was in the cards for me until Nora
But there’s a problem.
I’m rotten.
I’ve wasted myself on other people to numb out the hole in my chest.
Nora deserve’s so much more than my broken fragments.
But I can’t let go, even after the mess I’ve made.
Now I’m rushing to her, making a crazy offer––one that gives my love away without knowing if I’ll get anything in return.
Exactly what I deserve if you ask me.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2021
42 people are currently reading
1670 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
September 17, 2021
Meh.
I was intrigued by the summary but ultimately let down. Characters are superficial, the dialogue felt forced, and most of all, Nora should have had a better love interest. I was honestly rooting for Rich, because the emotional abuse that Bentley puts her through isn't worth it. And Tessa was a terrible friend as well. You can try justifying it by saying she's a friend who'd make you face your fears,, but she spends most of the book hating him.. It felt fake. The book as a whole lacks a lot of development unfortunately. It's engaging in some aspects though. I would have loved to know more about Nora's work, or even her family. I feel like I got to know more about Tessa than Nora, maybe she should have been the focus instead. I don't think I'll be picking up anything else in the future.
I was intrigued by the summary but ultimately let down. Characters are superficial, the dialogue felt forced, and most of all, Nora should have had a better love interest. I was honestly rooting for Rich, because the emotional abuse that Bentley puts her through isn't worth it. And Tessa was a terrible friend as well. You can try justifying it by saying she's a friend who'd make you face your fears,, but she spends most of the book hating him.. It felt fake. The book as a whole lacks a lot of development unfortunately. It's engaging in some aspects though. I would have loved to know more about Nora's work, or even her family. I feel like I got to know more about Tessa than Nora, maybe she should have been the focus instead. I don't think I'll be picking up anything else in the future.
September 16, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
This honestly irritated me a little. I had to take a minor break when I was reading this but I did jump back into it. I just felt that their relationship felt immature and honestly, if they just.... Fucking talked to each other, this book could have been cut in half. And I'm not going to lie, I feel like Nora was better off in a relationship that wasn't with Bentley. Honestly Bentley was just a shitty hero for the story and for Nora. She deserved a million times better.
Also Trevor? Oof that bitch. Great for the story, bad for Nora. I honestly began rooting for him until we got his real motives. A big ass jerk.
I honestly hope we get to see Rich have his own story and his own love. He was honestly getting interesting.
Find me on:
My Blog | My BookTube | My Book Club | Instagram | Twitter
This honestly irritated me a little. I had to take a minor break when I was reading this but I did jump back into it. I just felt that their relationship felt immature and honestly, if they just.... Fucking talked to each other, this book could have been cut in half. And I'm not going to lie, I feel like Nora was better off in a relationship that wasn't with Bentley. Honestly Bentley was just a shitty hero for the story and for Nora. She deserved a million times better.
Also Trevor? Oof that bitch. Great for the story, bad for Nora. I honestly began rooting for him until we got his real motives. A big ass jerk.
I honestly hope we get to see Rich have his own story and his own love. He was honestly getting interesting.
Find me on:
My Blog | My BookTube | My Book Club | Instagram | Twitter
May 10, 2023
2 stars
sighs
I received an arc for an honest review.
This was honestly just boring! It wasn't unique, I did read it fast because the writing wasn't the best but overall, the characters weren't relatable and it just felt really rushed. I wish this book focused more on the pining than the getting together. Don't get me wrong, I love the smut and the togetherness but the beforehand, they weren't pining. At least not to my standards of pining.
I'll give Garnet another chance soon but for now, 2 stars
sighs
I received an arc for an honest review.
This was honestly just boring! It wasn't unique, I did read it fast because the writing wasn't the best but overall, the characters weren't relatable and it just felt really rushed. I wish this book focused more on the pining than the getting together. Don't get me wrong, I love the smut and the togetherness but the beforehand, they weren't pining. At least not to my standards of pining.
I'll give Garnet another chance soon but for now, 2 stars
August 28, 2021
I’m not a huge romance reader. I mostly read YA romance/fantasy. That being said this is the second book of Garnet Christie’s that I’ve enjoyed. This book has well meaning but flawed characters, a book boyfriend that will have your heart putter pattering and a relationship that has to be built on healing and forgiveness. This is a love story and I lost myself in the energy of it.
September 15, 2021
Fragments Of You by Garnet Christie is a friends-to-lovers novel about two broken, flawed, relatable young people. Bentley is, in all senses of the word, perfect, but he’s also a hurt “bad” boy. Nora puts others before herself and tries to make everyone else happy by sacrificing her own. Bentley and Nora are really good friends and they have more than friend feelings for each other. Neither is willing to pursue a relationship until suddenly their feelings come out leaving both of them fragmented.
This book and these characters! I’m not sure there has ever been a book where I’ve been so mad at characters for their foolish, disastrous decisions. Ugh, they had me all up in my feelings. I was hurting right alongside them as they navigated this whirlwind relationship.
While I wasn’t rooting for these characters to be together at the beginning, as their story went on I grew to understand how they fit together and was hoping there would be a happy ending for the two. Lucky for me there was a HEA, and I loved seeing these characters develop as they dealt with their pain and struggles.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Fragments Of You and I’m looking forward to more by Garnet Christie.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book and these characters! I’m not sure there has ever been a book where I’ve been so mad at characters for their foolish, disastrous decisions. Ugh, they had me all up in my feelings. I was hurting right alongside them as they navigated this whirlwind relationship.
While I wasn’t rooting for these characters to be together at the beginning, as their story went on I grew to understand how they fit together and was hoping there would be a happy ending for the two. Lucky for me there was a HEA, and I loved seeing these characters develop as they dealt with their pain and struggles.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Fragments Of You and I’m looking forward to more by Garnet Christie.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 24, 2021
I loved this book.
I loved how well-paced this book was because it would switch points of view between the main characters, but as a reader, I didn't feel lost going in between chapters.
I really enjoyed that we weren't just told about the chemistry between the main characters too, we were shown, and that really goes for a lot of the aspects of the book. We were shown their love, their hurt, their grief, their emotions and it was done really well. We were shown and not told!! Which personally I think makes this book really good, and I would definitely read it again. It was enjoyable and it had me captivated. I honestly couldn't put it down from when I picked it up this morning. I would really recommend it.
I loved how well-paced this book was because it would switch points of view between the main characters, but as a reader, I didn't feel lost going in between chapters.
I really enjoyed that we weren't just told about the chemistry between the main characters too, we were shown, and that really goes for a lot of the aspects of the book. We were shown their love, their hurt, their grief, their emotions and it was done really well. We were shown and not told!! Which personally I think makes this book really good, and I would definitely read it again. It was enjoyable and it had me captivated. I honestly couldn't put it down from when I picked it up this morning. I would really recommend it.
August 29, 2021
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Garnet Christie is a good character writer. She writes unique, flawed characters who are relatable and likeable. You are frustrated with their decisions and find yourself cursing their mistakes and lack of communication but continue to root for them to fall in love. Her side characters are interesting and have you hoping for future stories where they are the main characters and get their chance at love.
My biggest complaint about this book, and the reason I didn't rate it higher, is because it should have been longer. It was a slow burn friends to lovers romance that felt SO incredibly rushed. There was constantly parts in the book where GC skipped ahead weeks or months and it felt that you were cheated of some of the tension. This is a standalone romance, but all the content in here could have been stretched to two books or even a trilogy. Nora (the female MC) is in a relationship with her best friend's brother and it starts and ends so quickly it felt like whiplash. It should have been a more monumental thing that happened and affected Nora, but while writing this review I'm struggling to even remember his name. I wanted more content and a more fleshed out story. Both of the main characters had jobs but they felt more like an afterthought. Nora is fired from her job but even that felt more like a plot device to move the story along when there could have been more storyline added. Oh, and Bentley, my sweet summer child. I love a self depricating man as much as the next girl, but if I have to hear about his Grecian eyes one more time I'll lose it. He was so likeable and SO frustrating. My favorite part of Bentley's story was his relationship with his family, which again, was rushed. He's gone for a month and all we got was one conversation with one of his sisters. I was really hoping for interactions with his little sister, but all we get is him forgetting her birthday, and then him beating himself up for snapping at her.
No dogs.
TL;DR good book with great characters, but not enough content.
Garnet Christie is a good character writer. She writes unique, flawed characters who are relatable and likeable. You are frustrated with their decisions and find yourself cursing their mistakes and lack of communication but continue to root for them to fall in love. Her side characters are interesting and have you hoping for future stories where they are the main characters and get their chance at love.
My biggest complaint about this book, and the reason I didn't rate it higher, is because it should have been longer. It was a slow burn friends to lovers romance that felt SO incredibly rushed. There was constantly parts in the book where GC skipped ahead weeks or months and it felt that you were cheated of some of the tension. This is a standalone romance, but all the content in here could have been stretched to two books or even a trilogy. Nora (the female MC) is in a relationship with her best friend's brother and it starts and ends so quickly it felt like whiplash. It should have been a more monumental thing that happened and affected Nora, but while writing this review I'm struggling to even remember his name. I wanted more content and a more fleshed out story. Both of the main characters had jobs but they felt more like an afterthought. Nora is fired from her job but even that felt more like a plot device to move the story along when there could have been more storyline added. Oh, and Bentley, my sweet summer child. I love a self depricating man as much as the next girl, but if I have to hear about his Grecian eyes one more time I'll lose it. He was so likeable and SO frustrating. My favorite part of Bentley's story was his relationship with his family, which again, was rushed. He's gone for a month and all we got was one conversation with one of his sisters. I was really hoping for interactions with his little sister, but all we get is him forgetting her birthday, and then him beating himself up for snapping at her.
No dogs.
TL;DR good book with great characters, but not enough content.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2021
DNF 63 % . I don’t hate myself that much to have to continue with this torture.
Most of this book explains why the main characters should NOT be together
Most of this book explains why the main characters should NOT be together
August 24, 2021
This book is my first venture into non-fantasy and non-dark romance…it’s normal, everyday people with normal jobs and lives. Weird- I know. I loved it- devoured it in one evening. It was far too relatable and made me cry while simultaneously giving me hope and I don’t know how I feel about having so many feelings?!
Fragments of You is two broken people who hurt each other (and many others) because they are too stubborn and partially ignorant to understand the others’ feelings. Bentley is the perfect hurt, “bad” boy and Nora is the girl who always tries to make everyone happy (except herself). It’s easy to find a piece of yourself in both characters and get absolutely lost in their story- all while gaining some hope for your own.
Fragments of You is two broken people who hurt each other (and many others) because they are too stubborn and partially ignorant to understand the others’ feelings. Bentley is the perfect hurt, “bad” boy and Nora is the girl who always tries to make everyone happy (except herself). It’s easy to find a piece of yourself in both characters and get absolutely lost in their story- all while gaining some hope for your own.
November 12, 2021
I saw a tiktok where this book was mentioned and thought, why not?
Turns out there were many reasons why...
“I can’t tell you how many times I cried when you didn’t call me back. I always assumed you forgot about me and spent the night with someone else.” “Sometimes, I did spend it with other people. But you were always there. I was always thinking about you.”
🙄🙄🙄
I go to take off my condom. “Shit.” I don’t have one on. “Nora, we didn’t use a condom.” I haven’t made that mistake in years, but that's what Nora does to me. She makes me lose control. She rests her hands on my chest and yawns. “Good. They ruin the moment.”
🤡🤡🤡
... but these two are just unreal.
Turns out there were many reasons why...
“I can’t tell you how many times I cried when you didn’t call me back. I always assumed you forgot about me and spent the night with someone else.” “Sometimes, I did spend it with other people. But you were always there. I was always thinking about you.”
🙄🙄🙄
I go to take off my condom. “Shit.” I don’t have one on. “Nora, we didn’t use a condom.” I haven’t made that mistake in years, but that's what Nora does to me. She makes me lose control. She rests her hands on my chest and yawns. “Good. They ruin the moment.”
🤡🤡🤡
... but these two are just unreal.
September 15, 2021
recensione "a cura del blog Libri magnetici" by Meghan
Nora and Bentley are the classic good friends: sometimes they go out together, but they are both convinced that they hide well a kind of latent attraction that they feel towards each other, because they are afraid of ruining their friendship.
«”I helped you, you helped me”. Just two people who stumble anc pick each other when life hits us a little harder than usual.»
Theirs is not a story, but only a continuous wondering why not try to be together, and this leads the readers not to cheer for them, since there is a sort of weakness on both sides in wanting to expose herself: she is willing to settle only for the "fragments", and he is aware that he can only give her these.
«All that remains of me are broken, worthless pieces. Nobody wants that, especially not her.»
In the course of the story it is mentioned to the past of him, which led him to be so closed from the emotional point of view, but only after a good half of the book we are only explained that it is for a disappointment of youthful love. Both decide to live another relationship, but while we almost expect it from Bentley, because let's me say it, he is absolutely not one of those "paperman" who conquers us, Nora turns into a sort of superficial woman who after the brother of her best friend, passes to Bentley's best friend, changing herself a female protagonist who had kept the rhythm of the story. Too many also the monologue pages of both, also present in the "hot" scenes and that weigh down the reading, without adding anything more to a story that had so much potential. In short, a reading that, sincerely, has displaced me because it lacks that "more" that makes the stories about best friends so particular and that push us to read them; even the epilogue is almost hasty and obvious in the passages, leaving us sincerely perplexed.
Three stars and half.
Nora e Bentley sono i classici buoni amici: a volte escono insieme, ma sono entrambi convinti di nascondere bene una sorta di attrazione latente che provano l’uno verso l’altra, perché hanno paura di rovinare la loro amicizia.
«"Io ho aiutato te, tu hai aiutato me".». Solo due persone che, quando inciampano si aiutano l'un l'altro, quando la vita ci colpisce un po' più duramente del solito.»
La loro non è una storia, ma solo un continuo chiedersi perché non provare a stare insieme, e questo porta il lettore a non fare il tifo per loro, poiché si percepisce da entrambe le parti una sorta di debolezza nel volersi esporre: lei è disposta ad accontentarsi solo dei “frammenti”, e lui è consapevole di poterle dare solo questi.
«Tutto ciò che rimane di me sono pezzi rotti e senza valore. Nessuno li vuole, soprattutto non lei. »
Nel corso della storia viene accennato al passato di lui, che lo ha portato ad essere così chiuso dl punto di vista emozionale, ma solo dopo una buona metà del libro ci viene solo spiegato che è per una delusione d’amore giovanile.
Ambedue decidono di vivere un’altra relazione, ma mentre da Bentley ce lo aspettiamo quasi, perché diciamolo chiaramente, non è assolutamente uno di quei “paperman” che ci conquista, Nora si trasforma in una sorta di donna superficiale che dopo il fratello della sua migliore amica, passa al migliore amico di Bentley, svilendo così una protagonista femminile che aveva tenuto il ritmo della storia.
Troppe anche le pagine di monologo di entrambi, presenti anche nelle scene “hot” e che appesantiscono la lettura, senza aggiungere nulla di più ad una storia che di potenziale ne aveva tanto.
Insomma una lettura che, sinceramente, mi ha spiazzato perché manca di quel “di più” che rende le storie sui migliori amici così particolari e che ci spingono a leggerle; anche l’epilogo risulta quasi affrettato e scontato nei passaggi, lasciandoci sinceramente perplessi.
tre petali e mezzo
Nora and Bentley are the classic good friends: sometimes they go out together, but they are both convinced that they hide well a kind of latent attraction that they feel towards each other, because they are afraid of ruining their friendship.
«”I helped you, you helped me”. Just two people who stumble anc pick each other when life hits us a little harder than usual.»
Theirs is not a story, but only a continuous wondering why not try to be together, and this leads the readers not to cheer for them, since there is a sort of weakness on both sides in wanting to expose herself: she is willing to settle only for the "fragments", and he is aware that he can only give her these.
«All that remains of me are broken, worthless pieces. Nobody wants that, especially not her.»
In the course of the story it is mentioned to the past of him, which led him to be so closed from the emotional point of view, but only after a good half of the book we are only explained that it is for a disappointment of youthful love. Both decide to live another relationship, but while we almost expect it from Bentley, because let's me say it, he is absolutely not one of those "paperman" who conquers us, Nora turns into a sort of superficial woman who after the brother of her best friend, passes to Bentley's best friend, changing herself a female protagonist who had kept the rhythm of the story. Too many also the monologue pages of both, also present in the "hot" scenes and that weigh down the reading, without adding anything more to a story that had so much potential. In short, a reading that, sincerely, has displaced me because it lacks that "more" that makes the stories about best friends so particular and that push us to read them; even the epilogue is almost hasty and obvious in the passages, leaving us sincerely perplexed.
Three stars and half.
Nora e Bentley sono i classici buoni amici: a volte escono insieme, ma sono entrambi convinti di nascondere bene una sorta di attrazione latente che provano l’uno verso l’altra, perché hanno paura di rovinare la loro amicizia.
«"Io ho aiutato te, tu hai aiutato me".». Solo due persone che, quando inciampano si aiutano l'un l'altro, quando la vita ci colpisce un po' più duramente del solito.»
La loro non è una storia, ma solo un continuo chiedersi perché non provare a stare insieme, e questo porta il lettore a non fare il tifo per loro, poiché si percepisce da entrambe le parti una sorta di debolezza nel volersi esporre: lei è disposta ad accontentarsi solo dei “frammenti”, e lui è consapevole di poterle dare solo questi.
«Tutto ciò che rimane di me sono pezzi rotti e senza valore. Nessuno li vuole, soprattutto non lei. »
Nel corso della storia viene accennato al passato di lui, che lo ha portato ad essere così chiuso dl punto di vista emozionale, ma solo dopo una buona metà del libro ci viene solo spiegato che è per una delusione d’amore giovanile.
Ambedue decidono di vivere un’altra relazione, ma mentre da Bentley ce lo aspettiamo quasi, perché diciamolo chiaramente, non è assolutamente uno di quei “paperman” che ci conquista, Nora si trasforma in una sorta di donna superficiale che dopo il fratello della sua migliore amica, passa al migliore amico di Bentley, svilendo così una protagonista femminile che aveva tenuto il ritmo della storia.
Troppe anche le pagine di monologo di entrambi, presenti anche nelle scene “hot” e che appesantiscono la lettura, senza aggiungere nulla di più ad una storia che di potenziale ne aveva tanto.
Insomma una lettura che, sinceramente, mi ha spiazzato perché manca di quel “di più” che rende le storie sui migliori amici così particolari e che ci spingono a leggerle; anche l’epilogo risulta quasi affrettato e scontato nei passaggi, lasciandoci sinceramente perplessi.
tre petali e mezzo
August 24, 2021
This books started off a little slow to me and then I was into it on and off. Definitely your typical best friends who are meant to be together but don’t end up together until the end. Of course I loved the ending of the book more being the hopeless romantic I am. It’s a good book and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it.
January 5, 2022
I discovered Garnet Christie because of Instagram. This book did not disappoint, it has everything I love; dual POV, sassy friend, groveling and a HEA. Love the steam and spice and I can’t wait to read the Cooperslane series. I can’t wait to watch Garnet Christie develop as a writer even more.
I hope Rich and Tessa’s story is next!
I hope Rich and Tessa’s story is next!
August 24, 2021
Being welcomed into Nora and Bentley’s lives felt so natural. They’re both flawed, just like we all are, all of their mishaps and heartbreaks felt so real.
The story was heart felt and I truly loved it, finished it all in one day as I couldn’t put it down - highly recommend!
The story was heart felt and I truly loved it, finished it all in one day as I couldn’t put it down - highly recommend!
August 23, 2021
This book was amazing! Devoured it in one sitting!! So beautifully written.
September 6, 2021
Broken hero, friends to lovers, flawed people who find love in the process.
August 26, 2021
I was given an ARC of this book and it won’t effect my opinions/review.
Fragments of you is a romance about two friends who are secretly head over heels for each other but just keep missing the time to make it more. Bentley is a cookie cutter playboy romantic that hides his true feelings for his close friend, Nora who is equal parts rom-com dream girl and mid-twenties disaster (and I mean that in the best way possible).
I thought overall the romance was cute and found myself rooting for Nora and yelling about how men are trash at every turn.
The writing was solid and it was easy to catch each characters voice in my head. Which is something I love when reading. Some of the dialogue was a bit cheesey for me, particularly during the 🌶spicy🌶 scenes and most DEFINITELY during the scenes that were exclusively men.
As far as the pacing goes I thought it was okay. It seemed to drag out with some of the decisions of the characters and it did cause me to lose a bit of interest. I get that part of Bentleys arc is his self-doubt, but at a certain point and after certain events nobody would make some choices he did.
I’m a sucker for a happy ending though. I’m very happy I got to read this!
Fragments of you is a romance about two friends who are secretly head over heels for each other but just keep missing the time to make it more. Bentley is a cookie cutter playboy romantic that hides his true feelings for his close friend, Nora who is equal parts rom-com dream girl and mid-twenties disaster (and I mean that in the best way possible).
I thought overall the romance was cute and found myself rooting for Nora and yelling about how men are trash at every turn.
The writing was solid and it was easy to catch each characters voice in my head. Which is something I love when reading. Some of the dialogue was a bit cheesey for me, particularly during the 🌶spicy🌶 scenes and most DEFINITELY during the scenes that were exclusively men.
As far as the pacing goes I thought it was okay. It seemed to drag out with some of the decisions of the characters and it did cause me to lose a bit of interest. I get that part of Bentleys arc is his self-doubt, but at a certain point and after certain events nobody would make some choices he did.
I’m a sucker for a happy ending though. I’m very happy I got to read this!
Read
December 12, 2021Copy received from the author. Voluntarily reviewing and all opinions are objective and my own.
This book took me, maybe 10-15% to get into it, but once I did I struggled to put it down. It was a very addictive read that hit all the emotional marks for me, as needed for a friends-to-lovers romance. I have to say I enjoy this one more than Last, simply for those emotions. I FELT them, and felt for both characters. When reading, the connection is most definitely there.
Though I did struggle with Nora a bit. Can’t pinpoint it, but something about her character bothers me. In the end though, it didn’t lessen the sympathy I felt for her. When she was sad, it made me sad, so from a reading perspective, I’d say that matters more than me liking her or not. Now, Bentley… Loved him! I did connect with him and I enjoyed his character, and even the choices he made. The struggle he goes through in his Nora-decision making is tough but it only made me like him more.
A friends-to-lovers romance done right!
September 3, 2022
This was pretty good. I teared up a couple of times. The character development for both Nora and Bentley was splendid. This book will stay with me unlike a lot of other romances I’ve already forgotten about.
September 11, 2021
*I received this book as an arc in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.*
I've only very recently started getting into romance books and this book did not disappoint. If you like slow burn romances, the friends to lovers trope, or multiple POVs than this book is definitely for you!
In Garnet Christie's Fragments of you, we are introduced to Bentley Harris and Nora Davis. Bentley is a family loving, playboy who's haunted by the trauma caused by his ex, Ivy, in his past. Tormented into thinking that Nora deserves so much better than him, he keeps her high up on a pedestal and out of his touch. Nora is the epitome of the sweet, stable friend that you can always rely on. Now, being friends with Bentley is comfortable to Nora (even when he continuously flakes on her for a one-night stand) as it means that she gets to have even a little part of him. Both characters are plagues with a serious case of seemingly unrequited love (and that would have been sooooo easily solved if they would just talk to one another about their feelings).
The character development in this book is very realistic. I found myself empathizing with the characters and finding that I felt real sympathy for them at times. I absolutely was ready to fight Bentley when he was off being an ignorant dumbass and making stupid mistakes (sleeping with her and then leaving her in your house without even a note? Sooooo not cool). Even when I hated Bentley, I knew that he could be better than that. He's built up as this guy who loves his family dearly so the playboy phase can't last forever. Plus, when you add into consideration the fact that he is only being a playboy to get over the pain of his first love, Ivy, from cheating on him and sleeping with practically his whole town, then yeah, him not wanting to get hurt again by being committed to someone makes some sense.
For Bentley to be built up as this big family guy, however, I was hoping to see more interactions between him and his family. I was disappointed in that aspect. Even when he went home for about a month we only really got to see one interaction between him and one of his sisters. It would have been really sweet to see some interactions between him and his little sister; especially since they both adore one another.
Now with Nora, I found myself sympathizing with her very often. She was constantly getting her heart crushed by her friend due to her unrequited love for him. Now, as much as I wish she would have just come out and said something about her being hurt whenever he blew her off, I do understand the mindset of having them as just a friend because you believe that that's the most you'll ever have. A small piece of them is better than nothing at all. I loved her interactions with her best friend Tessa. I found myself, at times, wanting to hear more about Tessa than Nora. I would have definitely loved to have read more about Tessa and have her character more fully developed because I think she would be an incredibly amazing character (potential spin-off request?🥺 I love me some Tessa and would 100% love to see a love story happen for her and to learn more about her closed-off personality)
All in all, I did enjoy this book. It took some time for me to fully get into it but there were definitely some moments at the beginning where I was drawn in more and more. I think that, at times, things got a little bit rushed and I definitely would not have minded if this was a little bit longer! There were quite a few time skips and it would have been interesting to read more about what was going on during those time skips. For example, Nora's relationship with Tessa's brother Trevor seemed to end really fast. We didn't really get to see much about their relationship. Plus, it would have been nice to read more about how Bently was reacting to her new relationship.
I loved the multiple POVs and everyone who knows me knows that that is one of my absolute favourite things that an author can do. It really gave us a chance to see both characters develop and understand what each one was feeling. This was also a really cute friends to lovers story. I've been reading a lot of enemies to lovers stories and this was a really nice change of pace for me!
I've only very recently started getting into romance books and this book did not disappoint. If you like slow burn romances, the friends to lovers trope, or multiple POVs than this book is definitely for you!
In Garnet Christie's Fragments of you, we are introduced to Bentley Harris and Nora Davis. Bentley is a family loving, playboy who's haunted by the trauma caused by his ex, Ivy, in his past. Tormented into thinking that Nora deserves so much better than him, he keeps her high up on a pedestal and out of his touch. Nora is the epitome of the sweet, stable friend that you can always rely on. Now, being friends with Bentley is comfortable to Nora (even when he continuously flakes on her for a one-night stand) as it means that she gets to have even a little part of him. Both characters are plagues with a serious case of seemingly unrequited love (and that would have been sooooo easily solved if they would just talk to one another about their feelings).
The character development in this book is very realistic. I found myself empathizing with the characters and finding that I felt real sympathy for them at times. I absolutely was ready to fight Bentley when he was off being an ignorant dumbass and making stupid mistakes (sleeping with her and then leaving her in your house without even a note? Sooooo not cool). Even when I hated Bentley, I knew that he could be better than that. He's built up as this guy who loves his family dearly so the playboy phase can't last forever. Plus, when you add into consideration the fact that he is only being a playboy to get over the pain of his first love, Ivy, from cheating on him and sleeping with practically his whole town, then yeah, him not wanting to get hurt again by being committed to someone makes some sense.
For Bentley to be built up as this big family guy, however, I was hoping to see more interactions between him and his family. I was disappointed in that aspect. Even when he went home for about a month we only really got to see one interaction between him and one of his sisters. It would have been really sweet to see some interactions between him and his little sister; especially since they both adore one another.
Now with Nora, I found myself sympathizing with her very often. She was constantly getting her heart crushed by her friend due to her unrequited love for him. Now, as much as I wish she would have just come out and said something about her being hurt whenever he blew her off, I do understand the mindset of having them as just a friend because you believe that that's the most you'll ever have. A small piece of them is better than nothing at all. I loved her interactions with her best friend Tessa. I found myself, at times, wanting to hear more about Tessa than Nora. I would have definitely loved to have read more about Tessa and have her character more fully developed because I think she would be an incredibly amazing character (potential spin-off request?🥺 I love me some Tessa and would 100% love to see a love story happen for her and to learn more about her closed-off personality)
All in all, I did enjoy this book. It took some time for me to fully get into it but there were definitely some moments at the beginning where I was drawn in more and more. I think that, at times, things got a little bit rushed and I definitely would not have minded if this was a little bit longer! There were quite a few time skips and it would have been interesting to read more about what was going on during those time skips. For example, Nora's relationship with Tessa's brother Trevor seemed to end really fast. We didn't really get to see much about their relationship. Plus, it would have been nice to read more about how Bently was reacting to her new relationship.
I loved the multiple POVs and everyone who knows me knows that that is one of my absolute favourite things that an author can do. It really gave us a chance to see both characters develop and understand what each one was feeling. This was also a really cute friends to lovers story. I've been reading a lot of enemies to lovers stories and this was a really nice change of pace for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book is riddled with classic tropes and cliches, friends-to-lovers, miscommunication, grumpy/sunshine, the far more interesting best friend, the list goes on. The book feels formulaic in that aspect, but I’m not complaining—I come to romance novels to watch the same tropes play out over and over. Christie managed to encapsulate what makes the genre so comforting in the first place.
The part of this book that makes it truly endearing and captivating is its characters, and how they uniquely navigate these well-loved and widely-used plot points. Every character has its own distinct personality and feels fully fleshed out—even the side characters of woman-hater #3 and woman Bentley slept with #5. They’re nameless but distinct in a way that has each character leaving a lasting impression.
Our main couple is terribly fun to read, their banter and dynamic hitting all the best parts of the best friends-to-lovers trope. Nora is a wonderful female protagonist, she’s bubbly and sweet but also confident and uncompromising. Her separate work struggles and horrible boss make her feel more relatable—she has a life beyond the men in the story (which can, unfortunately, be a rarity in these books). She loses me a bit when she becomes involved with Rich; the first time she turns to a guy to help her get over Bentley is understandable, but the second is just a little repetitive to me. Rebounding did not work last time, and rebounding with his best friend is just foolish. For such a smart and fiercely independent character, this part of the book did not do her justice.
Bentley is of course charming and deeply annoying at the same time. He has the classic tragic back story of loving a girl that cheated on him, so he proceeds to sleep around and avoid commitment for the next few years. A fun twist on this is that he never blames his ex and mostly blames himself, making him seem more sympathetic than most men of his personality type. Most of Bentley’s issues could be solved through seeing a therapist, but he of course relies on a woman to fix him through the power of love and endless chances (and boy does Nora give them to him!). Despite this, you root for him the entire book, probably because he is so hopelessly in love with Nora the whole time—despite how he denies it.
Their relationship felt real and messy, although a little ridiculous at times (sleeping with her and leaving the state Bentley? Really?). Regardless, you want them to be together and overcome the odds, they’re a couple you love to root for.
The real stars of the book are Tessa, Nora’s best friend, and Lena, Bentley’s sister. They both have a dry sense of humor and undying loyalty that make them far more entertaining to read than the main couple and seeing their love life probably would be a hell of a read. Plus, the backstory we do get on Tessa, extreme inherited wealth and intense family drama, makes her a far more compelling main character (potential spin-off perhaps?). These two characters stole the show in every scene they were in.
While the characters are absolutely lovely, the rest of the book falls to the wayside for me. It’s a bit of a slog to get through and is a tough read until Nora and Bentley briefly get together, and then it’s slow again until Bentley returns for the big grand gesture. There feels like too many side characters sometimes, as Trevor (who is deeply insufferable) and Rich (who is even more insufferable) felt like unnecessary side plots before getting back the interesting bits that Christie puts together so brilliantly.
Overall, Fragments of You falls prey to the worst and best parts of the romance genre. It’s a fun, quick read that has a happy ending. What more could you ask for?
3/5 stars
This book is riddled with classic tropes and cliches, friends-to-lovers, miscommunication, grumpy/sunshine, the far more interesting best friend, the list goes on. The book feels formulaic in that aspect, but I’m not complaining—I come to romance novels to watch the same tropes play out over and over. Christie managed to encapsulate what makes the genre so comforting in the first place.
The part of this book that makes it truly endearing and captivating is its characters, and how they uniquely navigate these well-loved and widely-used plot points. Every character has its own distinct personality and feels fully fleshed out—even the side characters of woman-hater #3 and woman Bentley slept with #5. They’re nameless but distinct in a way that has each character leaving a lasting impression.
Our main couple is terribly fun to read, their banter and dynamic hitting all the best parts of the best friends-to-lovers trope. Nora is a wonderful female protagonist, she’s bubbly and sweet but also confident and uncompromising. Her separate work struggles and horrible boss make her feel more relatable—she has a life beyond the men in the story (which can, unfortunately, be a rarity in these books). She loses me a bit when she becomes involved with Rich; the first time she turns to a guy to help her get over Bentley is understandable, but the second is just a little repetitive to me. Rebounding did not work last time, and rebounding with his best friend is just foolish. For such a smart and fiercely independent character, this part of the book did not do her justice.
Bentley is of course charming and deeply annoying at the same time. He has the classic tragic back story of loving a girl that cheated on him, so he proceeds to sleep around and avoid commitment for the next few years. A fun twist on this is that he never blames his ex and mostly blames himself, making him seem more sympathetic than most men of his personality type. Most of Bentley’s issues could be solved through seeing a therapist, but he of course relies on a woman to fix him through the power of love and endless chances (and boy does Nora give them to him!). Despite this, you root for him the entire book, probably because he is so hopelessly in love with Nora the whole time—despite how he denies it.
Their relationship felt real and messy, although a little ridiculous at times (sleeping with her and leaving the state Bentley? Really?). Regardless, you want them to be together and overcome the odds, they’re a couple you love to root for.
The real stars of the book are Tessa, Nora’s best friend, and Lena, Bentley’s sister. They both have a dry sense of humor and undying loyalty that make them far more entertaining to read than the main couple and seeing their love life probably would be a hell of a read. Plus, the backstory we do get on Tessa, extreme inherited wealth and intense family drama, makes her a far more compelling main character (potential spin-off perhaps?). These two characters stole the show in every scene they were in.
While the characters are absolutely lovely, the rest of the book falls to the wayside for me. It’s a bit of a slog to get through and is a tough read until Nora and Bentley briefly get together, and then it’s slow again until Bentley returns for the big grand gesture. There feels like too many side characters sometimes, as Trevor (who is deeply insufferable) and Rich (who is even more insufferable) felt like unnecessary side plots before getting back the interesting bits that Christie puts together so brilliantly.
Overall, Fragments of You falls prey to the worst and best parts of the romance genre. It’s a fun, quick read that has a happy ending. What more could you ask for?
3/5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2021
The phrase "hurts so good" is a pretty good description for this book. Because boy oh boy did it hurt in some parts, and man was it so good at the end.
This is a friends-to-lovers but with a painful twist. Nora and Bentley are really good friends who have more than friend feelings for one another, but each has a reason for not pursuing those feelings. And then, the levees break on their feelings and disastrous decisions leave both of their hearts fragmented. But can they pick up the pieces? Or is the damage too much?
This is the first novel I have read from Garnet Christie (and I received an ARC which does not affect my rating) but I was very surprised by the emotional rollercoaster I was on. There were some cheesy lines and bullshit reasons that characters usually make for their decisions (as per usual for romance) but it definitely took a more heart wrenching approach.
I might have been a teensy bit upset with some of the characters-- *cough* BENTLEY *cough* --and felt myself hurting alongside them, but it made the sweet and romance filled moments so much better. Tessa and Rich were some added gems, and the author has a way of making uniquely fleshed out characters that even if they are flawed and jaded you gotta love them.
There were some awkward parts to the story. I think it was just the character pairing in general for me. They are friends in the beginning but there isn't really a lot to suggest they are as close as they are. Which might have been the point the author was trying to make considering the later half of the book, but it left me not wanting to root for them in the beginning of the story. I just thought to myself "they don't work, what am I supposed to root for here"? But the relationship got good, then it got worse, then it got much better towards the end. But the shaky beginning didn't really make me feel like they were the close friends we were supposed to believe they are, and made their topsy turvy relationship a little unbelievable. But we got there and it all works out in the end -- which I'm glad it did considering all the BULLSHIT these two put themselves through. Love to hate these two lovebirds.
If you're wanting tumultuous love story with great spice and unique characters then read this book. Because it will rip your heart out and then put you back together again.
4 stars because this book emotionally abused and shattered my heart, and I thanked it afterwards. Don't look at me like that. I said this was a "hurts so good" kind of book, what did you expect?
This is a friends-to-lovers but with a painful twist. Nora and Bentley are really good friends who have more than friend feelings for one another, but each has a reason for not pursuing those feelings. And then, the levees break on their feelings and disastrous decisions leave both of their hearts fragmented. But can they pick up the pieces? Or is the damage too much?
This is the first novel I have read from Garnet Christie (and I received an ARC which does not affect my rating) but I was very surprised by the emotional rollercoaster I was on. There were some cheesy lines and bullshit reasons that characters usually make for their decisions (as per usual for romance) but it definitely took a more heart wrenching approach.
I might have been a teensy bit upset with some of the characters-- *cough* BENTLEY *cough* --and felt myself hurting alongside them, but it made the sweet and romance filled moments so much better. Tessa and Rich were some added gems, and the author has a way of making uniquely fleshed out characters that even if they are flawed and jaded you gotta love them.
There were some awkward parts to the story. I think it was just the character pairing in general for me. They are friends in the beginning but there isn't really a lot to suggest they are as close as they are. Which might have been the point the author was trying to make considering the later half of the book, but it left me not wanting to root for them in the beginning of the story. I just thought to myself "they don't work, what am I supposed to root for here"? But the relationship got good, then it got worse, then it got much better towards the end. But the shaky beginning didn't really make me feel like they were the close friends we were supposed to believe they are, and made their topsy turvy relationship a little unbelievable. But we got there and it all works out in the end -- which I'm glad it did considering all the BULLSHIT these two put themselves through. Love to hate these two lovebirds.
If you're wanting tumultuous love story with great spice and unique characters then read this book. Because it will rip your heart out and then put you back together again.
4 stars because this book emotionally abused and shattered my heart, and I thanked it afterwards. Don't look at me like that. I said this was a "hurts so good" kind of book, what did you expect?
April 1, 2023
4.5🤩🤩🤩🤩
“Picking Up The Pieces”
This one was doozy! Like the author, I’ll start by saying Fragments Of You is not a conventional love story. Both Nora and Bentley are two whole hot messes. These MCs are packing enough issues to fill a suitcase. Their love journey is fraught with heartbreak, betrayal, angst, and denial.
Nora is meandering in a job she hates while pining for her best friend. She would rather take what she can get from Bentley than not have him in her life at all. He, unknowingly, emotionally abuses her. And she never confronts him about it! Bentley is struggling with years of feeling worthless after a relationship goes terribly wrong. He has drowned himself in meaningless sex and has become emotionally unstable.
Nora and Bentley are two of the most frustrating MCs. BUT that’s the beauty of this book. No one is perfect. The decisions made in the name of love are not often smart or what’s best for you. It’s a reflection of the battle of the certainty of one’s feelings with self worth. Not everyone has the strength to walk away from an unfavorable situation; that’s Nora’s conflict.
Bentley is so insecure and emotionally damaged from his past. He knows Nora is special to him but he is incapable of showing it because he doesn’t want to hurt her. Which causes him to hurt her anyway. This character gave me serious agita. But when he finally got his head out of his bum, I empathized with his plight. His heart was pure but his inability to open it made him act deplorable.
There are a whole host secondary characters that do well with rounding out the story. Nora and Bentley get their HEA, but it’s a bumpy road. Weighing the risk of traveling those miles is never easy. Their story tells you to be open to the imperfection of life and love. You may find something beautiful and worth the struggle.
“Picking Up The Pieces”
This one was doozy! Like the author, I’ll start by saying Fragments Of You is not a conventional love story. Both Nora and Bentley are two whole hot messes. These MCs are packing enough issues to fill a suitcase. Their love journey is fraught with heartbreak, betrayal, angst, and denial.
Nora is meandering in a job she hates while pining for her best friend. She would rather take what she can get from Bentley than not have him in her life at all. He, unknowingly, emotionally abuses her. And she never confronts him about it! Bentley is struggling with years of feeling worthless after a relationship goes terribly wrong. He has drowned himself in meaningless sex and has become emotionally unstable.
Nora and Bentley are two of the most frustrating MCs. BUT that’s the beauty of this book. No one is perfect. The decisions made in the name of love are not often smart or what’s best for you. It’s a reflection of the battle of the certainty of one’s feelings with self worth. Not everyone has the strength to walk away from an unfavorable situation; that’s Nora’s conflict.
Bentley is so insecure and emotionally damaged from his past. He knows Nora is special to him but he is incapable of showing it because he doesn’t want to hurt her. Which causes him to hurt her anyway. This character gave me serious agita. But when he finally got his head out of his bum, I empathized with his plight. His heart was pure but his inability to open it made him act deplorable.
There are a whole host secondary characters that do well with rounding out the story. Nora and Bentley get their HEA, but it’s a bumpy road. Weighing the risk of traveling those miles is never easy. Their story tells you to be open to the imperfection of life and love. You may find something beautiful and worth the struggle.
August 29, 2021
Garnet Christie has become an auto-buy author for me and I adore all of her work, but Fragments of You holds a special place in my heart. Bentley and Nora are best friends with the potential for so much more… if only they would actually communicate with each other and stop making assumptions. Through a series of failed relationships and drama, they slowly start making their way towards each other, piecing together the fragments of their hearts along the way. Bentley has three dates to prove to Nora he can take care of her the way she deserves and not revert back to his playboy ways… and boy is the tension absolutely delicious. This book is told from the perspectives of both Nora and Bentley, which I loved and added to the narrative getting to see both of their inner thoughts. Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions to ensue as we follow our two beloved characters as they go from friends to enemies to civil to falling in love all over again. I wanted to laugh, I wanted to cry, also wanted to strangle the characters and lock them in a room until they got their act together, but most of all I was rooting for their happily ever after that they’ve been fighting for in their own ways for so long. Fragments of You is a great romance read that will give you all the warm and fuzzies as we head into the colder months, I highly recommend it! ❤️
August 29, 2021
*I received an ARC of this book from the author*
3.5 stars
Okay, so overall, I enjoyed reading this book. Let's start with the positives! I enjoyed Bentley's character and his development throughout the book. He becomes a "playboy" who has difficulty committing to one person due to a previous relationship. That changes, however, when Bentley starts to feel more for his friend Nora. Throughout the book, we can see the development of his feelings for Nora. I thought Bentley's perspective was well written, and I love reading his parts. I usually lean towards the female view more than the male, and it was a pleasant surprise I preferred Bentley over Nora's perspective.
Now for a few negatives. First, I feel as if Nora was somehow lacking. I don't believe she had near enough development. Second, at times I felt annoyed reading from Nora's perspective. When she had dialogue, I feel like she wasn't saying much. Third, I wanted more Tessa than Nora sometimes in the book. I felt as if Tessa stood out more when she was in a scene with Nora.
I will be reading more work from Garnet Christie! This book was enjoyable and did flow well. I hope we get a book about Tessa! I think she was a great side character and could have a great story! #TeamTessa :D
3.5 stars
Okay, so overall, I enjoyed reading this book. Let's start with the positives! I enjoyed Bentley's character and his development throughout the book. He becomes a "playboy" who has difficulty committing to one person due to a previous relationship. That changes, however, when Bentley starts to feel more for his friend Nora. Throughout the book, we can see the development of his feelings for Nora. I thought Bentley's perspective was well written, and I love reading his parts. I usually lean towards the female view more than the male, and it was a pleasant surprise I preferred Bentley over Nora's perspective.
Now for a few negatives. First, I feel as if Nora was somehow lacking. I don't believe she had near enough development. Second, at times I felt annoyed reading from Nora's perspective. When she had dialogue, I feel like she wasn't saying much. Third, I wanted more Tessa than Nora sometimes in the book. I felt as if Tessa stood out more when she was in a scene with Nora.
I will be reading more work from Garnet Christie! This book was enjoyable and did flow well. I hope we get a book about Tessa! I think she was a great side character and could have a great story! #TeamTessa :D
December 2, 2021
DNF @ 70%
I just don’t care about these characters in the slightest. Nora is weak and waffling and has zero self esteem despite obviously being a knock out (based on how everyone else treats her) and the goody goody vibe just isn’t for me. Bentley was a much more interesting character; he is flawed and has trauma from his past and you can see how it drives his actions but his choices are frustrating. The cast of secondary characters are just meh. Tessa is a straightforward best friend who comes across bitchy. Rich is supposed to be the asshole dude-bro, who suddenly falls for the good girl because she is the only non-bitch he’s apparently ever met. My eyes got stuck in the back of my head when he has a human reaction to her crying and all of a sudden makes a “you’re not like other girls” speech.
Friends to lovers isn’t a bad trope but I just don’t like how it’s done here. They’ve been “close” friends for TWO YEARS, and they both don’t think the other person cares about them at all? Like cares so little about them that they don’t think the other would care about hurting their feelings?
Also, the dialogue is stilted and awkward. I didn’t believe most of the conversations. Nope, not approved by me.
I just don’t care about these characters in the slightest. Nora is weak and waffling and has zero self esteem despite obviously being a knock out (based on how everyone else treats her) and the goody goody vibe just isn’t for me. Bentley was a much more interesting character; he is flawed and has trauma from his past and you can see how it drives his actions but his choices are frustrating. The cast of secondary characters are just meh. Tessa is a straightforward best friend who comes across bitchy. Rich is supposed to be the asshole dude-bro, who suddenly falls for the good girl because she is the only non-bitch he’s apparently ever met. My eyes got stuck in the back of my head when he has a human reaction to her crying and all of a sudden makes a “you’re not like other girls” speech.
Friends to lovers isn’t a bad trope but I just don’t like how it’s done here. They’ve been “close” friends for TWO YEARS, and they both don’t think the other person cares about them at all? Like cares so little about them that they don’t think the other would care about hurting their feelings?
Also, the dialogue is stilted and awkward. I didn’t believe most of the conversations. Nope, not approved by me.
August 24, 2021
I tried to keep the review as vague and with as minimal spoilers as possible, while also getting my feelings out. 🙈😂
I’ve never wanted to fight a fictional character, and an Author more in my life. In the best way possible, of course.😂
This book made me feel every single emotion.
If I would’ve seen Bentley at about 60% in the book it would’ve been on sight. 🤺🤺
However I fell in love with every character in this book. The character development was absolutely amazing, I feel like I watched Nora grow more into herself and become a more confident woman, who finally realized what she deserved and her worth. In the beginning she seemed to be lost with minimal self worth. And towards the end she became a whole Goddess who would no longer take any crap, from ANYONE.
Bentley in the beginning acted like a prick to avoid his trauma from a past relationship. We watched him finally face his past demons, and really grow into the man he wanted to be. He emotionally destroyed us for a little bit, but he put us back together and made us love him again. 🥺
This will definitely be a reread and I will be buying a hard copy when it comes out.
I’ve never wanted to fight a fictional character, and an Author more in my life. In the best way possible, of course.😂
This book made me feel every single emotion.
If I would’ve seen Bentley at about 60% in the book it would’ve been on sight. 🤺🤺
However I fell in love with every character in this book. The character development was absolutely amazing, I feel like I watched Nora grow more into herself and become a more confident woman, who finally realized what she deserved and her worth. In the beginning she seemed to be lost with minimal self worth. And towards the end she became a whole Goddess who would no longer take any crap, from ANYONE.
Bentley in the beginning acted like a prick to avoid his trauma from a past relationship. We watched him finally face his past demons, and really grow into the man he wanted to be. He emotionally destroyed us for a little bit, but he put us back together and made us love him again. 🥺
This will definitely be a reread and I will be buying a hard copy when it comes out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2023
Solid 4 to 4.5 stars
As not the biggest fan od friends to lovers I was actually surprised about loving this one. I loved the angst part of the book (I just love suffering I guess).
Nora is relatable main character, not having it perfect in every aspect which is something I really loved and appreciated. Her fear of losing Bentley as a friend once her feelings are out touched me in all the right places, you could say. I was rooting and hurting for her throughout the book.
Bentley is a classic doesn't-know-how-words work type of guy, but discovering about his past explains it. Something like that does leave you with a pretty shattered self image, but as much as I wanted to forgive him and not be angry about his doings I was screaming at the screen because of what he did.
Overall, it was a good read and the only reason it's not getting five stars is because I wanted to get to know Nora more, through her and Bentley's eyes too (even tho the boy's mind is being filled with Nora 24/7). More about her personality, job, family, we haven't seen a lot of it. But besides that I loved it and I'm definitely giving other books a go too.
As not the biggest fan od friends to lovers I was actually surprised about loving this one. I loved the angst part of the book (I just love suffering I guess).
Nora is relatable main character, not having it perfect in every aspect which is something I really loved and appreciated. Her fear of losing Bentley as a friend once her feelings are out touched me in all the right places, you could say. I was rooting and hurting for her throughout the book.
Bentley is a classic doesn't-know-how-words work type of guy, but discovering about his past explains it. Something like that does leave you with a pretty shattered self image, but as much as I wanted to forgive him and not be angry about his doings I was screaming at the screen because of what he did.
Overall, it was a good read and the only reason it's not getting five stars is because I wanted to get to know Nora more, through her and Bentley's eyes too (even tho the boy's mind is being filled with Nora 24/7). More about her personality, job, family, we haven't seen a lot of it. But besides that I loved it and I'm definitely giving other books a go too.
August 28, 2021
“You’re in love with him, and he’s in love with you, and it’s like a goddamn tragedy, because you look at him and see the stars, and he looks at you and sees the sun. And you both think the other is just looking at the ground.” -lostcap via Tumblr
That quote, right there, hits different every time I read a best friend turned lovers story and this one was no different. Don’t get me wrong, the sheer AUDACITY of some of the happenings was more than enough to make me want to actually fight Bentley - yes, I’m aware he’s fictional and no, I don’t care because he’d deserve it - and even give Nora more than a little side-eye. The back and forth rollercoaster that was my emotions as I consumed this book was almost too much to bare and there were a couple of times I had to look away to simply process my feelings with what was happening. In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed it and could see myself rereading later on - maybe as a precursor to a second story? Some sparks between a certain best friend and a certain playboy we got to know, maybe?? 5/5 would recommend
That quote, right there, hits different every time I read a best friend turned lovers story and this one was no different. Don’t get me wrong, the sheer AUDACITY of some of the happenings was more than enough to make me want to actually fight Bentley - yes, I’m aware he’s fictional and no, I don’t care because he’d deserve it - and even give Nora more than a little side-eye. The back and forth rollercoaster that was my emotions as I consumed this book was almost too much to bare and there were a couple of times I had to look away to simply process my feelings with what was happening. In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed it and could see myself rereading later on - maybe as a precursor to a second story? Some sparks between a certain best friend and a certain playboy we got to know, maybe?? 5/5 would recommend
September 4, 2021
Full disclosure: I received the ARC for this book but, as usual, all my thoughts are my own!
“Fragments of You” follows our two protagonists, Bentley Harris and Nora Davis, both of whom are facing a serious case of seemingly unrequited love. The story switches between each character’s point of view, allowing for a fuller picture of what each character is thinking, along with all their missteps—accidental or otherwise. (On a personal note, I liked how the POV switches helped keep up a good pace without it being jarring.)
The story itself is entertaining, and the character development is realistic. Nora, thankfully, doesn’t follow the cliche of immediately healing and getting over a failed relationship. This means that our male protagonist has to put in some real effort and not simply stand around and be handsome to be forgiven.
Overall, it was an enjoyable, sweet read (with a small sprinkle of spice). People who like stories with second chances and friends to lovers (eventually) will surely enjoy it!
“Fragments of You” follows our two protagonists, Bentley Harris and Nora Davis, both of whom are facing a serious case of seemingly unrequited love. The story switches between each character’s point of view, allowing for a fuller picture of what each character is thinking, along with all their missteps—accidental or otherwise. (On a personal note, I liked how the POV switches helped keep up a good pace without it being jarring.)
The story itself is entertaining, and the character development is realistic. Nora, thankfully, doesn’t follow the cliche of immediately healing and getting over a failed relationship. This means that our male protagonist has to put in some real effort and not simply stand around and be handsome to be forgiven.
Overall, it was an enjoyable, sweet read (with a small sprinkle of spice). People who like stories with second chances and friends to lovers (eventually) will surely enjoy it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews