* Thanks to Natalie Knolls for the eArc for review *
Be Your Somebody by Natalie Knolls
Be Your Somebody by Natalie Knolls was such a heartfelt, emotional read — and honestly, a really solid debut from a new author. ❤️
I loved that Cassidy and Avery had that childhood friends-to-lovers connection. Their bond felt so natural, and you could really feel the history between them, which made their love story all the more endearing. What really stood out to me, though, was how the book handled addiction — not just from the perspective of the person struggling, but also from the loved ones who are impacted. It was written with so much care and really captured the ripple effect addiction can have on families and relationships.
I appreciated how Cassidy’s childhood trauma shaped him and how it influenced his struggles with addiction. Seeing it through Avery’s eyes — the heartbreak, the helplessness, but also the deep love — was really impactful. And Cassidy’s journey toward healing, paired with Avery’s constant love and support, made for such a tender, slow-burn romance. Their chemistry was strong, and the spice definitely delivered, but I still felt like there was something missing. I can’t quite put my finger on it — maybe I just wanted a bit more depth or resolution in certain areas.
That being said, I still really enjoyed it and will absolutely be picking up whatever Natalie Knolls writes next. This was a beautiful, heartfelt story about love, addiction, and second chances — and I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author! 💛
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Blurb:
Cassidy
As a child, Cassidy Andrew’s life was never meant for great things, but when he meets his neighbor Avery Douglas, things change, and Cas starts to envision a better life for himself. That is, until a near-fatal overdose destroyed his friendship with Avery. After receiving a second chance at life–and sobriety–Cas is determined to right his wrongs, starting with the person he hurt the most, Avery. But when his past collides with the present, all the work he’s put in starts to unravel. Will his newfound strength be enough to keep him moving toward a future with Avery, or will everything be so destroyed there’s nothing left to mend?
Avery
Avery Douglas was an average girl next door who struggled with making friends. That was,until she met her new neighbor, Cassidy. After playing second fiddle to Cas’ addictions over the course of a decade, she’s had enough. She finally decides to put herself first, choosing to put her efforts into re-learning Avery the person and not the best friend of an addict. But a now-sober Cas is set on winning her back, and Avery is scared of history repeating itself. Can she learn to trust Cas, the only man she’s ever loved, or will she find herself picking up the pieces of her broken heart once again?
Be Your Somebody by Natalie Knolls
Published on February 21, 2025
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 310
Rating: 3.5 Stars
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