Try as I might, I find it difficult to go into each book by a favorite author without expectations. With Tara Sivec, whose book Fisher’s Light is one of my all time favorites (and her Playing With Fire series is a favorite series), the bar is high. Really high. But it happens, so when I don’t connect well with a favorite author’s book, the disappointment is also high. Really high…

Before I begin what will probably look like me ripping this book to shreds, I want to say that had this been a book by another author, I may not have been so harsh in my opinion. I don’t NOT like this story, but there were so many things that rubbed me wrong and kept me from really enjoying the story of Cameron and Emerson.

The first issue is that I wouldn’t classify this as second-chance romance, because our hero and heroine never had a first romance. This is friends-to-lovers, which is a trope I find tiresome. The whole “our friendship will be ruined” and “he/she deserves someone better” just makes me so frustrated. (I still would have read Wish You Were Mine, I just would have managed my expectations better.) It isn’t until 76 percent in the book that the couple finally gets their crap together and declares their love. So we got a whole bunch of “I wish he loved me the way I love him” and “there’s no way she’ll ever feel about me the way I feel about her, I'm not good enough” blah, blah, BLAH. The inner monologue was so tiresome. GAH! Have a conversation already!!!

This is particularly frustrating in light of the fact that their other best friend died at the age of 33 from cancer. When I lost a good friend to cancer at 46 - who didn’t get to see her oldest graduate from college, who won't see her children get married, whose husband won’t get to get take anymore trips to amazing places with the love of his life - it made me rethink things. I don’t put things off, I tell people how I feel. You would think at least one of them here would say, “Life's too short not to be honest about what I think, how I feel.” These people were in their 30s but still acted like young adults. I can tolerate YA behavior from characters who are actually YA. But if you’re out of your twenties? Grow the hell up!

(And while I’m getting all my complaints out about this book...what’s with calling all the other women skanks? I’m all for calling a spade and spade. But none of the women who were referred to in such a derogatory way had done anything other than go out with the other men. I find the whole double standard (it’s okay for the guys to sleep around but NOT the woman) to be hypocritical. Sorry, rant over.)

The second big issue I had with this book is the time-hop storytelling - which I don’t usually like because the drama is drawn out, and pulled out, and milked for every last page. However, I know Tara Sivec is capable of weaving together past and present in a seamless way - she did it beautifully in Fisher’s Light. But this time, it frustrated me and didn’t ever reveal anything different in the past part of their story. First, Cameron is going to tell Emerson how she feels, but then something comes up and she doesn’t. Then Emerson is going to, but doesn’t. It was one giant angst-fest. And guess what...I’m not a fan of long, drawn out angst either.

So what did I like about Wish You Were Mine? The side-characters of Amelia and Jason were great. I loved them! And Tara Sivec always does a great job with dialogue - with all her characters. Once Cameron and Emerson did finally get together, I enjoyed the book a whole lot more - but that left only a quarter of the book that I liked reading. The actual writing in this book is very good. I just didn’t happen to care for the main characters or the pacing of the plot.

I readily admit this book had two strikes against it simply because of my personal reading preferences. I can’t think of any friends-to-lovers books I’ve really liked, and there’s only a couple of timehop ones that I really enjoyed (Fisher’s Light, and Worth the Wait by Claudia Connor are two off the top of my head). Throw in my unintentional high expectations, and this book was in for an uphill climb. Which is exactly what reading this book felt like. Hopefully, I’ll connect better with Ms. Sivec’s next book!

Wish You Were Mine will leave an impact on your heart. It's heart breaking, angst ridden and full of those heart stopping moments.

Tara Sivec continues to leave her impression on me and it started with The Story of Us and continues with Wish You Were Mine.

Everett and Cameron, best friends that shared a lifetime together but are separated only to be brought back together by circumstances that know one wants to have to experience. From the very beginning of this story I could tell that I would experience those feels. Sadness, a bit of anger if I'm honest, mixed in with some laughter and that warmness that spreads watching these two reunite.

The road is a bit bumpy but nothing is ever smooth and their journey will wrap itself around your heart and not let go. One of those epic romances that you day dream about except this one has some unforgettable moments that will hit you in your gut and might make you hold your breath in anticipation.

The perfect book to sit in front of a fire and wrap yourself up with a warm blanket and a hot beverage.

First- I love this cover. When I first saw it, I instantly thought of the movie Sweet Home Alabama. Second- This story would make a fantastic movie! I could see it playing out while I was reading it.

I seriously enjoyed this story, I really got caught up in all the past parts between Cameron and Everette. I liked watching their love for each other grow through out the years. It made me super giddy when they finally waded through all the heartache and misunderstandings and made things happen. I wanted to stand up and slow clap for them. My one small issue that I had was because of the mistakes and miscommunication, it did take them forever to get together. I just wish we got to see them more together as a couple. But having said that, this book had all the feels going on for me and I loved how Cameron and Everette loved each other.

I breezed right through this one!

Friends to lovers? Check.
Sort of enemies to lovers? Check.
And since those happen to be my favorite romance tropes, I was S-O-L-D.

Tara Sivec can write the crap out of romance. And Wish You Were Mine solidified her #1 place on my auto-buy romance authors list.

I loved the dynamic between Cameron and Everett. The pining for one another whilst the other is oblivious...cliché, yes, BUT THAT IS MY JAM. Their banter was fantastic. And the sexual chemistry: blazing off the damn pages (or screen, whatever!).

But, I loved that they were both dealing with the grief of losing their mutual best friend. Cam, who'd been there the entire time, versus Everett who missed everything while he was "living his dream" and oblivious to what Aiden was going through. It brought them back together, and that was where they needed to be all along.

I think my favorite part, though, was the flipping back to the past. Those scenes, and seeing how they felt for each other gave me the warm and fuzzies. (Plus, I love stories that flip-flop between past and present.) It just gives the overall story more depth, allowing us to really FEEL their love and connection.

Filled with Sivec's signature humor and fabulous writing, <i>Wish You Were Mine</i> is yet another stellar piece of work. She hasn't let me down and I look forward to whatever she has in store next!

5 Wish Came True Stars!

Wish you were Mine is one of the best books I've read in 2017. I found myself reading this book extremely slow because I just didn't want this story to end. Wish you were mine had me laughing, wanting to slap Cameron and Everett, and crying right along with them.

Cameron and Everett were best friends growing up until Everett went way to work with Doctors Without Borders. During the 5 long years Everett was gone he had not contact with Cameron. All of that changed when their other best friend Aiden dies. Aiden's death takes its toll on both Cameron and Everett to the point Everett realizes he needs to come home to see how Cameron is handling things.

When these see each other after 5 years I was excepting a knock down drag out fight. That however wasn't the case. Everett jumps right in to help Cameron save her family camp for families of Vets by pretending to her loving husband.

I'm not going to stand by and watch the woman I've always loved slip away again.

Will these 2 be able to over come their history and some misunderstanding to see how things could have been if Everett hadn't left? You know the deal. My lips are sealed.

"I hate him for thinking he can make everything better with an apology. Words can't heal the scars that his actions left behind."

Cameron James has been on his mind since the day that they met, even at their young age he knew then that she was the girl for him... but she was also the girl for his best friend too. He decided rather than fight for her or what they shared that it would be best to walk away and let her explore what she shared with another man, and it has damn near killed him everyday since. He has spent the last five 5 years traveling the world with Doctors without borders and not a day has went by that he has thought about her, but when he receives a letter notifying him of his passing he decides it might finally be the right time to make his way back home. But returning home to see her and having all of those buried feelings resurface is a little more than he can bare...

Cameron James has lost so much in the last five years, her best friend chose to walk away from her and what they shared to start a career with doctors without borders, and has yet to return home. She knows he thought he was doing what he thought was right, but he couldn't have been more wrong, it's always been him that she wanted... although she never had the courage to utter the words. And nine months ago she said goodbye to her other best friend Aiden, and it was more than she could bare, and everyday she struggles to move on without him. But now, with word of Aiden's death getting to him, Everett has decided to return home, and she isn't so sure she is ready to face him yet... her feelings for him and his choice to leave her behind are still raw...

Wish You Were Mine is a touching read about love, friendship and everything that falls in between. Have your tissues ready because you are going to need them for this one, Ms. Sivec's newest novel is sure to stir your emotions and have the tears flowing. The story line follows three friends who meet early in life, and develop a strong bond with one another, one that they thought was unbreakable. But when Everett decides to leave town and follow a new path in life that doesn't involve Cameron and Aiden it brings about a lot of harsh feelings, and nearly ruins a potential romantic relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed being a passenger on this heartfelt journey, it was filled with many ups and downs, and many memorable moments that left my heart overflowing. Highly recommend this one, it's a touching read that will leave you moved!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

No rating - DNF at 40%
It pains me to say this as I am a huge Tara Sivec fan but this book just didn't work for me. I am not sure if it's timing but I didn't connect to the characters and felt like it was a lot of internal monologue (so telling vs. showing). The reasoning for Cameron and Everett finally reconnecting after so long was a bit of a stretch for me and unbelievable. I was saddened that the friendship that they formed while younger was severed but I just wanted to feel more connected. Again maybe it's timing. I will try this one again at a later date :(

"You can't change the past...you can only move forward and make different choices."

For many readers, this author's name is associated with her very popular romantic comedy series. I wasn't expecting to have my mind blown by this very emotional, beautiful story. It took me to a place that I hadn't gone before and broke my heart, opening my eyes to a situation that I hadn't experienced or been aware of previously. It gave me all the 'feels' and made me fall even more in love with Tara Sivic.

This is a sweet story about three best friends. One girl, Cameron, and two boys. The boys are 3 years older than her. Of course, when she starts maturing, they notice. She falls for one of them but doesn't tell either. It's a cute, funny, sweet relationship between the three of them as they grow up together. I found myself sympathizing with all of them, wishing for a world where wishing on a star would make all of their dreams come true.

I won't go into the details, because that's half the fun of reading a new book, learning for yourself. But there are so many issues and situations covered that really add to the story. The support characters are amazing and really add to the telling. The primary location of events is awe inspiring and I'd love to visit there, if it actually existed anywhere other than the author's mind.

The pain and passion had me twisted as I stayed glued to my reading device. I was so totally invested that nothing could pry me away. I anticipated how I wanted things to turn out, desperately hoping my wish would come true. I fell so hard for the couple that I wanted to find a way to forever.

I'm not sure what the author has for us next. But I'm not picky. Whether she chooses to bring out my laughter or my tears, I'm willing. The line forms here...

An emotional, angsty and heartfelt friends-to-lovers story as childhood best friends finally get their chance at first love.

Cameron, Everett and Aiden met as children and became instant best friends when they met at the summer camp run by Cameron’s parents. (In a gorgeous twist, Cameron is the daughter of Shelby and Eli from The Story of Us. You don’t need to have read that book first, but it is a great little tie in for fans of that book to see what became of them and their family). Through the years they shared their hopes, dreams and wishes, but though their bond was unbreakable, things changed and Everett left to live his dreams and leave his best friends to live out theirs.

Five years later and everything has changed. Aiden is gone and Everett has been left a broken shell of the man he once was. Years of travelling with Doctors Without Borders meant he has experienced horrific circumstances, but worst of all he couldn’t save his best friend. That, and he’s been pining for the love of his life. He was always close to Cameron, but he knew he loved her when he was 16 years old. He left her to what he thought was the happy life that she wanted, but he knows he’s done the wrong thing by staying away for so long, and now he’s back to make amends.

I’m so desperately in love with her I can’t think straight. But it’s not good enough, and it never will be.


Cameron has survived the loss of her two best friends, and the five year absence of the man she has loved since she was only 12 years old by throwing herself into running her family’s camp. She has tried to move on emotionally, but she’s never recovered from the loss of Everett, so when he walks back into her life, it shakes her to the core.

I hate that I’ve missed Everett so much, that a part of me wants to forgive him for everything. I hate that seeing him again gave me butterflies and made me remember all of the feelings I used to have for him. I hate that he’ll never understand how much his disappearance from my life broke my heart, because I can never tell him. I can never tell him that he always had my heart, and he took it with him when he left, because it will just make me look like a fool. A fool who waited around for years, hoping her best friend would someday fall in love with her.


These two best friends have a lot to sort through. They kept their feelings for each other a secret, both of them too afraid to risk their relationship, and after years of misunderstandings and missed opportunities, there is a lot of complicated emotion between them. But the love they always had for each other is still very much alive, and we get to see it in their heated glances, slight but meaningful touches, and fun, teasing and heated moments. They just need to work through it all and find the courage to finally open their hearts to each other.

“Everything was wrong when you were gone. Nothing made sense without you here. I didn’t know how to be happy without you. I didn’t know how to live without you.”


This is such a gorgeous love story. You can feel all of the tumultuous emotion between Cameron and Everett, and their chemistry absolutely sizzles off the page. There is so much love there, and though it’s shadowed by pain, guilt and anger, their feelings for each other shine through as they begin to realise that they can’t hold back any longer.

“You’re the only thing I’ve ever wished for.”


And when they finally take those brave steps, it’s with a sense of relief for the reader, as well as excitement and joy (and a whole lot of hotness).

Everett was wrong when he said nothing will change between us. This moment, right here…it changes everything. And it’s about damn time.


It’s angsty and dramatic, and there’s a lot for Cameron and Everett to work through, which doesn’t end once they finally take that step. But as much as I enjoy a good build-up, I feel like I needed something a bit more from these two… (With all of that emotion between them, it was frustrating that it took so long for them to get there, and after 20 years of holding back I wanted them to really put themselves out there and fight for what they wanted. Because even after all of that time there is still some holding back, when I just wanted to see them throw themselves all in). But the book ends really beautifully, and the story gives us an emotionally intense read that I couldn’t put down.

Life’s too short to do something that doesn’t make you happy, and to spend your time with someone who isn’t your entire world.


I loved it. 4 stars.

When I first saw the cover of this book..... I was in love! And then once I opened the book.... I couldn't put it down!
You will fall head over heels in love with these three friends. I wish I had 2 best boy friends like that. Let me just say, there is pain, love, loss, forgiveness, some suspense and everything in between in this second chance at love story!!!!

If you're looking for love, laughs, sexy moments, amazing friendships, family and friends..... you will love this story!!!!

5 stars from me.

Recv'd a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What do you do when you've been in love with your best friend since you can remember? You wish on a bunch of stars that he could be yours.

Of course, Cameron is making not making wishes alone. Aiden and Everett are making wishes as well, and while they meet each year on Cameron's birthday to place wishes in a box (that are not to be revealed until they are old!), these wishes are top secret. Cameron has no idea that Everett is making wishes about Cameron.

Years pass, these two just can't get it together until Everett returns from being away for years and the two of them have to pretend to be married to save Cameron (and her parents from The Story of Us)'s ranch. She's pissed at him for staying away so long, he's just trying to find a way back to his life. Throw in some hilarious sidekicks, other family, appearances by her parents, and a wee bit of drama, and you have yourself a great read!

All the heart that Tara pours into her novels such as The Story of Us and Fisher's Light, mixed with a bit of the traditional Tara humor, and this one is a winner!

Wow. Just beautiful. This novel has all the feels. Friendship. Angst. Longing. Regret. Guilt. Passion. Fear. Love.

This is a very well written story about life long friends. Their lives are separated by circumstances but they are brought back together by the loss of their "third musketeer." Both, Cameron and Everett are dealing with tremendous emotions not only from the loss of their friend but also from their separation and suppressed feelings for each other. They are forced together by a crazy situation which brings everything to the surface but Cameron and Everett continue to fear their feelings for each other.

Can the two find the strength and bravery needed to fight for what they truly want? Can a happily ever after come easy for them?

This is definitely a book worth the read. This author never disappoints regardless of which genre she is dabbling in. But this one is full of feels from start to finish. Be sure to have tissues handy.

"I refuse to let thoughts of Everett Sutherland mess with my head and my heart when I have something much more important to worry about. He's a part of my past that I need to let go of, no matter how much it hurts. No matter how much my heart breaks that I didn't just lose one of my best friends, I lost them both. And I'll never get either one of them back. "

"I learned my lesson a long time ago that loving Everett did nothing but cause me pain, and I'll be damned if I get sucked down that rabbit hole again."

"I'm not ready for my bubble to burst. I'm not ready for the pain of crashing. He's happier than I've ever seen him. He smiles easier, laughs harder, his face isn't filled with worry lines, and he doesn't stare off into the distance, lost in his own memories and pain. He flirts and he teases and he throws my sass right back at me without hesitation. I want that for him. I've always wanted that for him. I want to be the one who makes him happy, no matter the cost."

It feels like it was only yesterday when I saw the cover for this book for the very first time. I remember seeing it and being just utterly consumed by it. From the coloring to the beautiful picture itself, I just knew that the story that would accompany this cover, would be truly epic and boy was I ever right....

Wish You Were Mine is brilliant, smartly written and 100% consuming. This is the kind of story that once you pick it up, you may as well cancel your plans for the day. You will become addicted and you won't be able to put it down. Wish You Were Mine takes you on the most incredibly journey that will have your heart feeling a million emotions all at one time. Cameron and Everett's story is incredibly powerful and timeless story of pain, loss, friendship and love. 

Cameron and Everett are perfectly imperfect. Their friendship was one for the books and was the kind that you just always knew would develop into more, if only they could move past their fears and take a leap. However, with Cameron and Everett, the timing was always off. There were so many missed opportunities, so many chances that they both let slip away....It would be years before Cameron and Everett would be reunited again. Years that have changed both of characters deeply, but the one thing that remains the same is the undeniable love they have always shared for each other. Life is presenting them with a second chance, and only time will tell if they have the strength to take it. 

There are no words to describe my feelings for Wish You Were Mine. This story is so much more than I ever expected and I loved every minute of it. From pain & heartache to loss & forgiveness. To the smallest of misunderstandings and the impact they will forever hold. To a love that stands the test of time and is worth fighting for. And a push & pull that keeps you begging for more. Wish You Were Mine is sure to become everything and will leave you utterly breathless.  It will consume you and give you all the feels. And in the end, you will have experienced such a unique and special love story, that will remain with you for a long time to come....

Just beautiful. This book will break and heal your heart whilst simultaneously making you laugh, smile and cry.

I read this book in one sitting (that lasted a good few hours) because I just could not put it down. Aiden's letter had me entranced and welling up from the start. These characters are real, believable and funny and their journey is heartbreakingly beautiful.

I love Tara's writing style and her dual POV that allows you to really connect with each character, to feel and experience their thoughts and emotions makes stories like this much more powerful. I lost all track of time reading this story as I was drawn into the lives of Cam and Everett.

If you loved The Story of Us or Fisher's Light, Cam and Everett will steal your heart. Their love is so powerful it bursts from the pages. I often found myself cursing all the characters for not seeing what was right in front of them through the course of the book, but the way Tara Sivec perfectly illustrates their personal journey and the steps they took to bring them together will leave your heart in tatters.

If you love second-chance stories or you want to find out more about Shelby and Eli's baby girl (from The Story of Us), you need to read Wish You Were Mine. Fyi, whilst some of the characters in this book were introduced in The Story of Us, it can be read as a stand-alone. But for those of us, like me, who fell in love with Rylan, it was not only lovely to see how he was honoured in this book, but also to find a similarly amazing character in Aiden.

5 stars from me and definitely a book I'll remember!

Wish You Were Mine is another brilliant and emotional read from Tara Sivec. If I could give this book more than 5 stars then I would. It's that PERFECT. I highly recommend it to all fans of romances.

** Full review to come closer to release date **

I really cannot say enough about Wish You Were Mine. This book is EVERYTHING and I’ll never forget it. Five stars are not nearly enough for the journey Tara Sivec took me on.

The bond between Everett, Cameron and Aiden was magical. Friends for life that are put into a situation which will forever change their lives.

I absolutely want to delve into every single piece of this book, but you need to be as surprised, heartbroken and in love as I was. I was destroyed, all my pieces were put back together, I cried and I laughed. I felt every single emotion in this book and loved every single character as they each brought so much to the table.

This is, in my opinion, THE book of 2017. Wish You Were Mine was an absolutely amazing story...one I will never forget.

I started this and put it down because I am personally going through a family member's struggle with cancer, so not for me right now. Would make a fine addition to an eBook collection.

4 Wine Glass #ARC #Review of Wish You Were Mine by Tara Sivec
*Posting 11/13/2017 @ 8pm EST

Tara Sivec composes a heartfelt story of love, loss, and second chances in her newest contemporary romance release, Wish You Were Mine.

Cameron James fell in love with her best friend Everett when she was just twelve years old, and she wished upon a star every year for Everett to love her back. But when Everett left for Doctors without Boarders almost five years ago, Cameron stopped wishing and learned to live her life without him. Until their other best friend and third musketeer to their life-long group passes away... Now Everett is back, and in order to save her family's camp, she must pretend that they're a happily married couple. Is it really pretending though when she's wished for this exact thing for so long?
Everett always knew that he wasn't good enough for Cameron, but that never stopped him from wishing otherwise. Now he's returned home and he's determined to be everything that Cameron needs, whether that be her best friend again or something more...

I am such a sucker for a second-chance, best-friends-turned-lovers romance and Wish You Were Mine was a compelling one. The story alternates from past to present, from the time the Cameron is seven years old, all the way into her mid-twenties. It also has rotating view points between Cameron and Everett, which is always fun. Cameron's family runs a camp for current and veteran military family. For the children who's parents have either been deployed, been lost in combat, or returned and suffering PTSD. I thought that this was an amazing endeavor and a wonderful setting for the book. Both fascinating and unique. Additionally, the characters were just as intriguing. Cameron and Everett have a deep-rooted history, and when they meet again all of that raw sexual tension is strung tight. The charge between them was palpable, and when they finally give in to it - whoa mama, who knew a stable could be so darn hot?! The plot is brimming with deep emotion. I couldn't turn a page without my heart pounding in some way. Between the push and pull of Cameron and Everett, the loss of Aiden and the letter he left behind, and the drama of the camp, I was constantly on edge.

I only had two complaints with this story. First, there were many inconsistencies throughout the book with the passage of time and the character's ages. I'm hoping they were so abundant because this was an ARC of the title, and it still needed another pass through editing before the final finished copy. Also, one thing that really irked me while reading was the number of times the word "skank" was thrown about. Was there no other derogatory term for women that the author could use between characters? That is one of those words that I cringe at to begin with, but it was overused here.

All in all though, Wish You Were Mine was one-of-a-kind story that I enjoyed beginning to end. If you're a fan of sweet romances, hot chemistry, and an upheaval of feelings, then you'll want to pre-order this book today.

Tear, tears, and more tears!! Holy cow, I knew by the description that this one might have a few sad elements but WHOA! I didn’t expect tears from beginning to end!