Ehhhh. That's how I felt about this. It wasn't compelling in any way. I know it was a romance, but it was hard to continue rooting for Blue when she was clearly making poor decisions. She and Enzo were in love as teenagers and then something happened (which was vague and for awhile I had no idea what happened and then I thought I missed it) and they were separated.

And then comes the trope that I just can't stand: they didn't talk or see each other or follow each other in any way, shape or form for nine years. Really? You leave, pregnant with his kid (not a real spoiler, this is given away in the first few chapters), and choose not to have contact with the dad - who you loved - for what reason? Still not sure and I finished the book.

Anyway, something happened between their families, Blue plays armchair detective. Enzo's dad hates her dad. Blue's husband is not a good person but she is ok going back to him (???). As I said, poor decisions. It all wraps up but it just was too much.

What We Could Have Been by Jess Sinclair was a good read overall but ultimately predictable. I will not be reviewing this book on my social media accounts.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"What We Could Have Been" by Jess Sinclair📚

In the sun-kissed backdrop of a small Florida fishing community, Jess Sinclair weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption in her novel "What We Could Have Been." With lyrical prose and vivid descriptions, Sinclair invites readers to explore the intricate bonds between families, friends, and lovers.

🌊 Synopsis:
Bluebelle Shea and Enzo Castellari, star-crossed lovers from feuding families, fall in love despite the brutal rift that has kept their families at odds for years. Their hopeful plans for the future are shattered when tragedy strikes—Blue's mother drowns, and her father is arrested for murder. Ten years later, Blue returns to Bliss with her young son, Murphy, seeking solace and healing.

🌟 Emotional Depth:

Sinclair's writing immerses readers in the lives of her characters. We feel their pain, their longing, and their yearning for a second chance. Blue, Enzo, and Murphy come alive on the pages, their personalities etched with emotional precision. As readers, we root for their redemption and healing.

💔 Betrayal and Secrets:

The heart of the novel lies in unraveling the past. What really happened the night Blue's mother died? Why did their families feud? Sinclair masterfully peels back the layers, revealing hidden truths and long-buried secrets. The tension builds as Blue and Enzo grapple with conflicting emotions and memories.

🌅 Healing and Hope:

When chance reunites Blue and Enzo, they must confront their shared history. As they untangle the web of deception, they discover the power of forgiveness and the possibility of a new beginning. Sinclair's portrayal of healing after betrayal resonates deeply, reminding us that love can mend even the most fractured bonds.

📖 Final Thoughts:
"What We Could Have Been" is a poignant exploration of love's endurance, family ties, and the pursuit of happiness. Jess Sinclair's storytelling grips your heart and refuses to let go. If you've ever fought for your own happy ending, this novel will resonate with you.

Note: I am NOT a fan of romance novels whatsoever, but even I enjoyed this one (but it does fulfill my "romance" book quota for the next decade)!

Ohhhh this book was soooo beautiful-- I read it so fast. I absolutely loved Blue and Enzo's love story. Childhood friends to lovers is always a heartwarming story. And the second chances. Blue and Enzo had so much to overcome, but watching the things they went through and then eventually together, it was such a beautiful thing to witness.

I CANNNOT wait for more from this author. 🤍

. A love story about what may or may not have been, I am so glad that characters found the answer they were looking for.

Bella who runs away at 17 now 10 years later finds her self back with answers to questions she been wondering for years.

Many thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy. Unfortunately, I was unable to get into this book. I picked it up a few times and found myself losing interest each time. I encourage others to try it out, as other Sinclair books have worked for me.

I could not put this down! So reflective and thought provoking. Very much enjoyed this and will be recommending

Book Review: What We Could Have Been 💐

⁉️: What are your favorite traditions for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas?

The Holiday season is upon us, and Thanksgiving is nearing - it means that we will be celebrating the festive season soon with our families or those who are unrelated to us but still part of our extended family. As I am getting older, I am beginning to realize how much I enjoy family dramas and plot lines.

Jess Sinclair’s What We Could Have Been exceeded my expectations as a richly imagined novel that centers on two feuding families as it is set in a small Florida fishing community. The two main protagonists, Bluebelle Shea and Enzo Castellari are children when they fall in love against the objection of their families. Suddenly, one night changes their lives forever when Blue loses her father after he is arrested for murder the night her mother drowns.

A decade passes, and Blue returns home with her ten-year-old son. Both Blue and Enzo are at crossroads as they come face to face with bittersweet memories and conflicting emotions.

While I am not a huge romance novel reader, I love it when authors can create an interaction between a thriller, romance, and police procedural, and this novel just hit the spot. I think there is something to be said about family dramas, as they do tend to stay with the readers and often show us how capable we are of developing a relationship and/or connecting with another human being. The history between Blue and Enzo also created a multi-layered and textured atmosphere as their relationship was shaped by their childhood memories that shaped their present. I absolutely loved this novel, which is out now!

Thank you @jessinclair.writes and @crookedlanebooks for the gifted copy!

#JessSinclair #CrookedLaneBooks #shnidhi #WhatWeCouldHaveBeen

Very interesting read! The book pulled me in from the start and I wanted to see how it ended. Try it and see if this book is for you!

What We Could Have Been was an entertaining read. The story is a family saga, mystery, and love story all wrapped up in one book.

I received a digital ARC from Alcove Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I loved Bluebelle and Enzo. I hope readers hear more about and/or from them in the future.

That being said there were many topics and situations portrayed throughout this novel that may make it a difficult read for some. Domestic abuse, alcoholism, and sexual assault were some of the topics that can be difficult to read. The sexual assault happened in the past to another character. It is not graphically described in the novel, but it is discussed, as it led to others making decisions. Also, one character has a heart attack in the novel, and the immediate aftermath and his recovery are a big part of the novel.

I know a book is good when I can read it in a day and a half! What We Could Have Been by Jess Sinclair is a women’s fiction type novel that’s filled with family drama and a lifelong love affair between two of the main characters. It’s a story about two families whose parents start off as friends but after tragedy become enemies. All except for two of their children who fall so madly in love but due to circumstances end up going their separate ways. This story had everything, it captured my attention right from the beginning and it kept me reading because I had to know how it was all going to play out. And it sure didn’t disappoint! I loved how it ended and everything fell into place. This is a really great book, one I enjoyed immensely and I would love to read other books along these lines. I was surprised to learn that it was the authors debut novel and I can’t wait to read what she writes next. It’s certainly a book I’ll be recommending and I’m giving it a 5 star rating. I’d like to thank Alcove Press for accepting my request and NetGalley for the arc to read, review and enjoy.

This book had me wrapped around its finger from the first chapter. I love a good second chance at a love story and this one ticked all the boxes. Complex characters with complicated backgrounds, dark family dramas, a strong love that cannot be denied, and the setting did me in. My bags are packed, I am moving to Bliss. Jess Sinclair creates a phenomenal story that had me flicking the pages faster and faster, as the mystery dove deeper. Why did Blue flee from home when she was just 17 years old? Why did her father not want her to move back? Just how badly did her husband treat her? Sinclair does an astonishing job of making you want to know the outcomes of all these events and then some.

Blue is heading home to Bliss. Her husband wants a divorce, and her young son Murphy deserves so much more. She has no idea how her father will welcome her. Will he kick them out before they even make it in the door? Her dad a crusty old fisher who tends to have a crabby disposition takes one look at Murphy and opens the door for them. Ushering Blue and Murphy back into her childhood home. Where questions about her mom's death and what happened on their fishing boat the night she died. Enzo her first love is still around town. He still makes her heart race and blood rush to her face. She has no idea what anything means, but she needs to make sure Murphy is first, no matter what.

This story had me laughing, crying, and finally sighing with relief at the end. With all the mysteries solved and finally a happy ending for this family. Wrongs turned right, families coming to terms with crimes their fathers have committed. I highly recommend this fantastic read. Thank you to Jess Sinclair for sending me your book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, & Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.

The dialogue wasn’t as smooth as I would like it to be, and the fact that her second chance romance is already engaged means there’s gonna be some kind of heartache, break up, or cheating or a combination of all three and I’m really not feeling it.

I’ve heard this is a beautiful & heartwarming book, but I couldn’t get into enough to find out.

Sometimes when you know you just know. Enzo knew he was always meant to be with Blue. But a blowup between their families tears,them apart for 10 years.
My favorite character was Murphy because he’s a spunky little kid. My second favorite was Enzo because he was a such a sweetheart.
I waffled about Blue. She hid something from Enzo, robbing him of precious time and doesn’t really atone for it.
Enzo’s parents are just terrible, each in their own way.
It’s not really explained what exactly happened to Blue’s mom the night she died. I suspected the reason for the blowup from the clues given.
The ending was nice.

Set in a gorgeous beach town, this was a beautifully written book about the in depth relationships between two families, in both the past and present. It is filled with family secrets, second chances, love and loss. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this story unfold, and learning about the various relationships between the characters as they continued to develop. I highly recommend reading this book and I will certainly be looking out for Jess Sinclair’s next novel.

Trigger warning: spousal abuse

Thank you Alcove Press and NetGalley for this eARC.

Two families once close, but torn apart through betrayal, are brought together again in an unlikely way. A tale of love and loss, of friendship and hope, this light read brought all the feels & I couldn’t wait to get back to it each time I had to put it down. The writing is laudable while the plot and varied characters made the story riveting.

What We Could Have Been by Jess Sinclair is a well written debut novel.

There is romance, family and a little mystery. Lots of family secrets, fighting families and romance.

My favorite trope is second chance romance, so I enjoyed that. I loved Blue and Enzo.

Thier characters were well written and developed.

Very much enjoyed this novel.

This book is full of emotions, you will laugh, cry and feel every emotion in between. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It's one of those books that you hate to see end, but you just have to know what happens next. I look forward to the next book this author writes.
I received a complimentary copy from Alcove Press via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Marketed as a book for fans of Kristin Hannah and Taylor Jenkins Reid, and I think these fan bases will definitely enjoy this book. Blue returns to her hometown to face a rocky relationship with her father, a broken relationship with a man she thought would be her forever, and a town full of rumors about her family. This book had a little bit of everything - romance, suspense, complicated family dynamics. This was a great debut novel! 3.5 stars