Throughout this book, I enjoyed the banter and the dynamic between Cal and Grace.
I love how caring and protective Cal was for his little sister and he wanted what was best for her.
Aaron was a character from this story that I look forward to seeing throughout this book

Rating 3/5

"The Brightest Light of Sunshine" is a heartwarming contemporary romance that offers a much-needed dose of positivity. This story, about strangers who evolve into best friends and eventually lovers, provided a welcome escape for me during a challenging time. Lisina Coney skillfully captures the subtle moments of tenderness and the deep connections between the characters, making their slow-burn romance feel both authentic and compelling. Coney’s writing beautifully conveys the gradual development of their relationship, creating a truly uplifting read.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Grace and Cal. Grace is an English major in her senior year of college. Cal owns a tattoo studio. They meet at a college party. They start dating. They each have problems but with both of them working on them they get solved. They fall in love.

I wasn’t prepared for the emotionally packed story that filled the pages of Brightest Light of Sunshine. It had funny moments, but it also had themes of trauma and love.

WHAT TO EXPECT
-friends to lovers
-emotional
-past trauma

*many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review.

This book make my heart cry, laugh, explode of cuteness (If that is possible) I really love it. I have read 75 books this year and this one will be my favorite. It was amazing the story of how two people complement each other in the best way, they want to be together because they feel complete when they are with the other person. Is a battle between obligation and what you desire in your heart and I cried a lot, but at the same time my heart burst with so much love. I had a lot of moment la when my ovaries just exploded. The backstory of each of the characters is perfectly described. The storyline is amazing and I loved everything about this book.

i'd seen this one everywhere and was so excited to read it and was definitely not disappointed!! i think this book handled sexual assault very well and with a lot of care, allowing grace to grow in her strength and confidence in the aftermath of something so traumatic. and the way she and cal began to open up and trust and each other was genuinely so beautiful and heartwarming to watch. i cannot WAIT for the next one in this series!

This was fine but by no means would I call it a favorite. The first 1/3 of the book had so much potential and really held my attention but it just didn’t do anything too exciting and I found myself just wanting it to be over. I feel the cousin’s best friend thing was pushed way too hard. So much so that it was not believable and I was eye rolling about it. I was hoping to really love it because the author is Spanish and I love to support.

The Brightest Light Series by Lisina Coney is an emotional friends-to-lovers romance. 22-year-old Grace Allen, is determined to overcome her traumatic past and embark on a healing journey that includes venturing into the world of dating. As Grace takes her first steps toward building connections, she unexpectedly forms a friendship with Samuel 'Cal' Callaghan. Cal, a tattoo artist with an intimidating build, tattoos adorning his body, and the responsibility of caring for his younger sister, wasn't the type of person Grace had envisioned as her first male friend. However, as their friendship deepens, Grace begins to wonder if Cal might be exactly what she needs.

Cal focused on ensuring the success of his tattoo parlor and providing a stable environment for his 4-year-old sister Maddie amid family challenges, initially believes there's no room for love in his life. Yet, as Grace, with her veiled past, breaks down his emotional walls, Cal finds himself torn between his priorities and the growing connection they share.

Perfect for readers who appreciate friendships evolving into something more, relatable main characters, and the promise of happy endings, "Brightest Light of Sunshine" explores themes of healing, family, and the unexpected ways love can find its way into the most guarded hearts.

Lisina Coney's "Brightest Light of Sunshine" delivers an emotionally charged, heartwarming, friends-to-lovers romance that captivates from start to finish. The author skillfully weaves a tale of healing, love, and unexpected connections that resonate with readers seeking relatable characters and satisfying resolutions.

Grace Allen's journey of overcoming a traumatic past is portrayed authentically, drawing readers into her struggles and triumphs. The introduction of Samuel 'Cal' Callaghan adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as his role as a tattoo artist and caretaker of his younger sister Maddie paints a picture of a man with priorities that seem to exclude romance.

The evolution of Grace and Cal's friendship is beautifully portrayed, offering a slow burn that allows readers to savour each moment of connection. Coney's exploration of family dynamics, healing, and the impact of love on well-guarded hearts adds depth to the narrative, making it more than a traditional romance.

The writing style strikes a perfect balance between emotional depth and relatable humour, ensuring that readers are engaged and invested in the characters' journeys. "Brightest Light of Sunshine" is a promising start to The Brightest Light Series, promising not only a satisfying romance but also a reflection on the transformative power of love. It is perfect for readers who appreciate friendships evolving into something more, with relatable main characters, and the promise of happy endings, while exploring themes of healing, family, and the unexpected ways love can find its way into the most guarded hearts.

There are not enough words that I could use to describe this wonderful book!
I absolutely loved reading it. My emotions were a mix consisting of happiness, relieve, love, hope…

this book was absolutely amazing. I loved Cal and Grace's dynamic and watching them grow together. Overall I was so impressed that this was Lisina Coney's debut book by how amazing it was!! I am really looking forward to buying her future books because she is FOR SURE going to become one of my auto-buy authors

Just a beautiful and heartbreaking read! I love when a story destroys you but then stitches you up perfectly with any scarring! ❤️

4.25 stars - I really enjoyed, it’s such a cute grumpy x sunshine slow burn and the whole story was heartwarming and very emotional. Grace really resonated with me and I loved following her journey as she heals and blooms.

Grace and Cal have such an instant connection and I actually liked the way they went from strangers to friends and then to lovers when it’s not always my favourite trope. The chemistry between them was great but more so was the care they had for each other almost immediately. There were so many moments in their friendship that were so pure and sweet, and also so necessary for their path to a relationship. Cal was so hot, physically with his size and tattoos, but even hotter was his personality, a complete cinnamon roll packaged dangerously. He was so soft and sweet, both with Maddie (who was just the cutest little sister, and I loved her relationship with Grace), and with Grace. He was the perfect amount of protective and just supported Grace the best he could, letting her stand for herself first and foremost.

I think one of the best parts about this story is the healing together aspect; Grace & Cal discovering a safe & healthy relationship together, respecting boundaries and their pasts while exploring consensually and always growing. Cal was so protective and caring in a really beautifully respectful way and it just made me love him more. These two were so meant to be and total soulmates, I’m so happy for their happy ending.

Thank you Lisina Coney and Page & Vine for this arc, I really liked it and I’m so glad this was picked up and got republished. Excited for book 2!!

**Tropes:** Age gap (22 x 30), grumpy x sunshine, friends to lovers, slow burn, ballet teacher x tattoo artist, big brother/single dad vibes to his little sister, spicy once they’re together.

**Trigger warning:** the FMC is a survivor of sexual assault and this book deals with her healing journey.

4.5 stars

This was an amazing debut! I really enjoyed Cal and Grace's story. They're so cute! This was a really slow burn romance. I thought it really worked out for their relationship especially with Grace's past trauma. I liked how they became friends first. At first sight they are total opposites, but they found someone that they became more comfortable with eachother.

I also adored Cal's younger sister, Maddie. She's a ray of sunshine. I loved her bubbly personality and I loved how close she was with Cal.
Overall, I highly recommend!

First thing I wrote as a mini-review was “My new motto is going to be "I will not settle for less than Callaghan. No effing way." yes, no effing way included. This story was so heartbreakingly beautiful. “

You know when you read a book with the tropes enemies to lovers or friends to lovers… but what about, in a single book, you have the whole evolution strangers to friends to lovers? That’s what TBLOS is for me, the whole package. Gracie and Cal’s friendship blooms in a soft way, it’s sweet and tender. I went into this book without expectations, and I ended up loving it. 😩❤️ Also, Cal is so sweet and probably too perfect for this world but who cares? It’s fiction right? And who doesn’t want a gentle giant with whom you feel protected and cherished and can give you multiple orgasm? 😂

(The author wrote the TWs at the beginning of the book so make sure to check them out)

Anyways, I want to thank Netgalley for the arc, but also a random reel I watched that convinced me to read this book!

Grace is in her final year of college. She has not experienced college in all the cliched ways, but she wants to step out of her comfort zone and get a tattoo. This is where our petite protagonist meets Cal, the tall, muscular tattoo shop owner. Grace doesn’t get her tattoo, but she and Cal ignite a spark that begins the novel.

As their friendship develops, both hold back and focus on supporting each other. Cal has a four year old sister who he helps out with because his mother has issues with alcohol. Grace was a victim of sexual assault prior to college and does not want to be pitied for her situation. Over time, vegan food truck meals, and accidental snuggle sessions, they fall in love. Their past (and some stubbornness) are the only things preventing them from moving forward together.

This book uses an alternating point of view narration between Grace and Cal which allows the reader to see both perspectives. The characters are well developed and likable. While Grace’s past includes sexual assault, there’s nothing graphic about that incident. Readers will see how she works on healing and how she is triggered during the story. Cal and Grace’s love story is a slow burn, but the spice level is elevated once they connect! I really enjoyed the book.

Thank you NetGalley, Page & Vine, and Lisina Coney for providing me with a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

🌸The Brightest Light of Sunshine🌸
5⭐️2.5🌶 @lisinaconeyauthor

🩰 Ballerina x Tattoo Artist
☀️Sunshine x Golden Retriever
👨‍👧Guardian/Carer Trope
📚He buys her smutty books, need I say more??

A wise man once said Daddy is a state of mind…Cal is my Daddy now🥵

TBLOS was such a beautifully written story about growth and overcoming a traumatic situation with characters that were just flawless. My words will not do it justice, just read the book🥹

Grace Allen is a survivor of SA, a few years following the incident she is now studying English Lit at Warlington University and is trying to navigate life whilst juggling her studies, job as a ballet teacher and volunteering. She decides to get a tattoo as a sign of strength and a reminder of her growth, this is where she meets tattoo artist Samuel ‘Cal’ Callaghan.

We see their friendship develop as they start bumping into each other following Grace’s visit to Cal’s tattoo shop. They soon realise that Grace’s slightly overprotective cousin is close friends with Cal and that Grace teaches ballet to his little sister Maddie. This is a slow burn done well because the characters get to know each other and open up about personal issues whilst also respecting each other’s boundaries. Neither of them pressure each other to move their relationship faster.

I don’t want to give too much away because I feel like I already have lol but please just read it if you need to read something that is super sweet and not too heavy on the on the trauma. I feel like Lisina did a great job with that because although Grace’s assault doesn’t go into heavy detail the main message of this book is growth and that’s what readers can look forward to.

It was great to see that Grace had such a supportive group of friends and family that looked out for her (although not all were aware about her past) nevertheless they were a great bunch. Cal was such a great big brother to Maddie and I loved that she always came first but he learnt how to balance his love for her and Grace, it was nice to see a MMC be vulnerable and develop as well.

Overall this was really enjoyable. I liked the pacing for the most part, I liked the characters and their growth. I do think it could have been shorter, there were many descriptions or additional explanations that weren't necessary. Another small part I didn't enjoy was when the little sister visited the hospital. It seemed really dramatic for a a cut on the head and also they would not have the child back there alone. It wasn't really realistic. The physical descriptions were very repetitive. But the spice was really good!

This was a great debut romance.

Grace and Cal’s relationship was a deliberate slow build. After her previous trauma I was glad to see the author handled her return to dating in a realistic way.

I adored the relationship between Cal and his little sister and the way she thrives under Grace’s gentle heart.

Check T/W - SA

This book was so beautifully written and sucked me in from the beginning. Grace is sweet, kind, and a little shy. Her story broke my heart but she was so strong despite it all. Cal was my favorite type of MMC! He is the best big brother to Maddie, his four year old sister. He also so good to and for Grace…his sunshine. He is a big marshmallow for both of them and wants them to both be happy and have the best life possible. This was such a sweet story with so many moments that will live rent free in my head. This was my first book by this author and I can’t wait to read more!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Friends to lovers
• Slow burn
• Age gap
• SA survivor

📍“Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.”

Cute and fun.

Grace and Cal were absolutely adorable together. I loved them as friends and I loved them as more. But Maddie is where the light shines brighter 😜 I just wanted to hug her and keep her safe forever 😭