Perfect, To Me by: Colleen Young

Perfect, To Me (Strong Family #1)
Author: Colleen Young
Published: April 2024
Publisher: Colleen Young
Format: ARC e-Book
Pages: 242
Rating: 5/5
Summary:
In the hallways of a new school, Olive is a ghost of her own making—haunted by a harrowing past and aching for a future that seems just out of reach. But in the midst of her turmoil, Hawthorn Strong enters her life like a breath of fresh air, his mysterious allure setting her heart ablaze.

As Olive treads the turbulent waters of friendship and love, she finds an unexpected anchor in Willow, Hawthorn’s spirited younger sister, and the Strong family, whose unconditional love and support become the sanctuary she never knew she needed. However, as Olive and Hawthorn's connection deepens, the weight of her secrets threatens to tear them apart, challenging the very foundation of their fledgling relationship.

With each twist and turn, Olive's journey unfolds, revealing the depths of her resilience and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.

From heartrending confessions to moments of undeniable connection, Olive discovers that love is a force that knows no bounds, and true strength lies in embracing the scars of the past and venturing fearlessly into the future.

In this mesmerizing tale of love, redemption, and self-discovery, Olive learns that the greatest journey of all is the one that leads her back to herself. With the unwavering love of her found family by her side, she dares to envision a brighter tomorrow, where secrets are no longer shackles but the keys to unlocking the boundless possibilities of the heart.

Review:

First, I want to thank Colleen Young for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review, and second I'd like to say to Colleen... WHAT THE ACTUAL F—K! How do you tear my heart to shreds, put it back together, only to repeat it again and leave me with a CLIFFHANGER?! Like actually, I love you, this was genius but also I hate you for that too!

This book took me on a wild ride. And if you've watched One Day with mixings of a few other teen movies and shows sprinkled in, then you're gonna want to get your hands on a copy to read. It has drama, romance, teen growth, heartache and so much more wrapped into this novel, I wanted more of these two. 

I was SUCKED into this story in the best way possible and honestly couldn't stop reading, trying to figure out what was going to happen not only to Olive for herself but also with Hawthorn. You could feel the attraction these two have for one another from the very beginning, but needless to say it's a roller coaster ride of emotion, heart, pain, and raw and unfiltered moments between the two of them you can't help but root for them the entire time.

There's so many things I could say, but I also don't want to spoil it. First we're just gonna jump right in and say that Olive deserves better, end of. Her growing up is the absolute worst, so when she's in this new town and falls quick friends with Willow, you just know her life is going to turn out way better than it did all the years prior. I have to say there were some moments that caught me off guard, but pushed the storyline so well, I had my heart in my throat. The things Olive goes through is intense, but then you get these super sweet, protective and caring sides of Hawthorn that even he can put you back together.

The found family trope is one that'll get me every time because I just love when characters find their people. Even if they're not blood related, you know it's so much better for them. The way all of the Strong family is there for Olive is so sweet and heartwarming! Not to mention the dynamic between all of the kids is hilarious at times.

Hawthorn Strong. This guy will make you swoon. The way he cares for Olive right from the beginning, not even questioning her life, where she comes from or how she looks. Picking her up at the library, the next morning in the pool house scene... That was insane. From the very beginning you see Hawthorn be there for Olive, whether it's in the face or more behind the scenes, but when that twist comes in towards the end?! I gotta admit I was left with my jaw on the floor.

Overall, this was an amazing read and probably the best (and my favourite) book Colleen has written thus far. This puts her in a whole other level in these characters, this world, and I cannot get enough! It was a gut-wrenching novel that pulled at the heartstrings, hit you with all the feels and had you cheering on Olive and Hawthorn from beginning to end. You do not want to sleep on this book, I'm telling you! While it may not be a spicy high school/new adult romance, it's giving its all with emotion that'll leave you in tears.

That's all for my review, I hope you enjoyed it and go one-click your copy today!

So until the next time, keep reading!

Your Graduated Bookworm! :)