Book Review: Fulfilling My Duty by Havana Wilder

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 Stars)

I recently finished Fulfilling My Duty by Havana Wilder and, wow, what a ride! I really liked this book and read it in just 2 days—I simply couldn’t put it down. From the captivating plot to the complex characters, Wilder has a knack for pulling you into a story that feels intense and immersive.

Annalise and Preston really captured my heart from the start.

The first chapter left me with my jaw dropped and my heart already aching.

Watching the characters heal and learn from each other and their community was truly amazing. I especially love all of the reunions and new friends found through this book.

Additionally the underlying mystery about the fires really kept me needing to know more. I had figured out the connection between the locations but I mainly needed to know who these were after, who was lighting them and what was their motive.

The book is truly a great read and it is perfect for a slightly shorter read.

This was truly so bad, I couldn’t even finish it. The writing was subpar, the chemistry between the main characters was non existent and the plot bore me to death.
The concept seemed interesting so I requested an arc but it was truly so bad I stopped 44% into the book.

Sweet, heart wrenching and spicy! Totally worth the read!
I love how persistent Preston is. Annalise drives me crazy sometimes with how stubborn she is but I learned to love her. Harper on the other hand is the best girls girlfriend ever! I absolutely adore her.

The romance was really sweet but the spicy scenes were weird. The whole thing where she almost teared down to her perineum because his Johnson was so large didn’t really do it for me.

The mental health and PTSD rep was good though. I enjoyed the plot. The romance and chemistry between these two was super sweet.

I really enjoyed this book and didn't expect it to be as emotional as it was, I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. I can't wait to read more by the author

This was a great book, that I really enjoyed reading.

This was a tear jerker for sure, so just be prepared for that! I fell in love with the main characters in this book, and thought they had great chemistry, which helped the book flow and time go by as though nothing else mattered.

I am looking forward to reading more by this author as this book was great from the very first page to the very last page!

Fulfilling My Duty is a beautifully crafted narrative that delves deep into the complexities of grief, love, and betrayal. The author masterfully weaves a tale of loss, redemption, and the enduring power of human connection. My only issue is it felt very... full? Like the themes could have been paced into other books.

The story revolves around the protagonist's journey to heal from a tragic past and find solace in the unexpected reconnection with her childhood friend, Preston. The plot is filled with suspense and intrigue, as the protagonist grapples with the challenges of her homecoming and the growing threat from those who seek to keep her and Preston apart. The tension is palpable, and the reader is kept on the edge of their seat throughout.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of the complexities of grief and the ways in which it can shape a person's life. The protagonist's journey is a poignant reminder that healing is a process, and that it takes time and courage to confront the past.

Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC

Romantic, and engaging. dynamic and wonderful characters. the writing style as solid and a consistent page turner.

You know it is a great book when you must stop to check your heart rate! This was sweet but at times my heart was ripping. The ending was amazing. Would recommend this book!

Enjoy!!

This is a tear jerker, second chance romance. The main characters are likeable, the story flows. I don't think I needed to read the entire series to grasp the book but had I read more about the book before starting it might not have been such a struggle.

A good story with a second chance at love. Annalise returns to her hometown not sure what to expect. Seeing Preston again was a surprise and those who welcomed her back even more so. I like the attraction between those two and adding in the suspense and danger that kept me guessing right up to the end.

Oh my this one is a grab your tissue box cause you're gonna need it. started out laughing and shaking my head at their somewhat quirky friend/cousin/crush relationship . I cried near the end of the first chapter and felt their pain. Thumbs up to the author to be able to pull emotions through writing and making it come alive. Loved the ending and the beginning and the middle A definite read.

Talk about a swoon-worthy MMC! This guy knows all the right things to say and do. There are a lot of events that happen in this story. Almost enough to be two books worth. Haha. The road for both the FMC and MMC was nowhere close to smooth, even in their teenage years. Sometimes I wanted to strangle them both when communication could have saved them so much heartache. Other times I got giddy because things were finally working out for them again. A worthwhile read.

This was a very engaging read. Annalise and Preston had just the right amount of tension. I love enemies to lovers and spicy scenes and this book had both. Also, the suspense had me guessing so I couldn’t stop reading until I finished. The MMC is also protective which is always a plus. I definitely recommend.

These two definitely had two traumatic events happen to them that not a lot of people can come out of. The connection with the “the amigos” at the beginning was very cute and as you go on with the story you get to learn more about them. The love Preston has for L.A is unmatched. I loved this book from beginning to end. Great job! Will be looking into more of your work.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Preston and Annalise shared a loss so bad they drifted apart. They where blaming themselves. She leaves town and he moves on, sort of. She comes back to town and they find themselves forgiving each other. Others in town don't like seeing them together. They try to move on but it's hard getting past the hurt. Annalise has a lot of baggage, mentally and physically.
There are triggers please be aware of them. This is true love at its finest. Enjoy.

If you love enemies to lovers this for you.

Truly loved this book the book was truly bringing tears to my eyes didn’t think it would be emotional

I’ve got to be honest this book wasn’t for me. But it might be for other people.

The concept of the book is what made me what to read it in the first place. The baker x police officer with second chance sprinkled in made this an exciting read for me, but instead this COMPLETELY missed the mark.

Both main characters were enticing and hilarious but the pacing of this book was completely off. I felt like I read a book with themes that could be separated over 2-3 books but instead all these moments were shoved into one making this a rushed mess. I feel as though the author did not take the time to properly pace this book. Also, this book was just filler and no plot! The original plot was interesting because this book does have a little mystery as the subplot but it wasn't enough to save the entire book.

All and all, this book had all the correct steps to a fantastic book but didn't do any of it justice.

insta review up on Wednesday august 7th
goodreads review up now

"Fulfilling My Duty" by Havana Wilder is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that blends elements of romance with personal growth and responsibility. The story centers on a protagonist who grapples with the demands of duty while navigating complex relationships. Wilder’s writing is engaging and layered, skillfully balancing emotional depth with a compelling narrative. The well-crafted characters and their journeys of self-discovery make this a memorable read for those who appreciate stories that explore the intersections of duty and personal fulfillment.