Thrive

Rating: 4.25 stars.I don’t even know how to properly describe this book. It feels like an emotional rollercoaster and a messy place where everything is a little chaotic, but I’m actually enjoying it that way. I love stories that embrace the mess instead of avoiding it, and this one definitely does.Where I am right now, I don’t fully like all the characters. They all have flaws, that’s realistic, but sometimes they make things bigger than they need to be. Even so, I can’t help but adore Lily and Lo. They’re complicated, imperfect, and sometimes frustrating, but they feel real.What I appreciate most is that the story stays grounded. It doesn’t suddenly jump into something completely out of place or over-the-top. It knows what it is, it leans into the chaos, and somehow it works.Messy, emotional, and imperfect, and I’m here for it.── .✦I genuinely try to love every character in this series, and I stand by that. They’re all interesting, layered, and easy to get attached to. But at the same time… they annoy me just a little. Because sometimes, no one needs to turn a small issue into a full-scale crisis. And yet, they do. Every time.Still, I appreciate them not just as characters, but as people I could actually imagine being friends with in real life. Messy, dramatic, loyal, emotional, the whole package.That said, if I were actually in their friend group? I’d love them… but I’d also be rolling my eyes at least once a day.Loren and Lily:I feel so deeply for this couple, not in a way that comes from pity or sympathy, but from genuine love and pride. What they’ve carried, what they’ve survived, and what they continue to work through is overwhelming. Their story isn’t simply about romance; it’s about endurance, self-discovery, and choosing to heal even when it’s easier not to. And somehow, I understand them on a personal level.Throughout the book, they reminded me so much of Joey and Aoife, two people who found comfort in each other while navigating pain that most wouldn’t survive. That parallel made me love them even more. Their journey feels like a reflection of everything they’ve experienced before: the mistakes, the breakdowns, the moments of loss. But instead of staying trapped in that past, they slowly start shedding what no longer serves them, learning how to rebuild piece by piece. It feels like watching a long, painful chapter finally begin to close.I also need to talk about Lo. In Ryke and Daisy’s story, he frustrated me. He came off harsh, closed-off, and impossible to understand. I genuinely thought he was just making everything harder for everyone. But now, seeing the world through his perspective, everything clicks. His actions were never meaningless; they were shaped by fear, responsibility, and a desperate need to protect what he loves. I take back every negative thought I had, because now I truly see him.And Lily… she holds my heart. She’s gentle but brave, struggling with an addiction that once controlled her life, yet refusing to let it define her forever. Watching her go through recovery, fall back, try again, and slowly reclaim herself is powerful. She doesn’t heal overnight. She works for it, in her own way, at her own pace. And that realism makes her journey hit even harder. I’m so proud of how far she’s come and how much strength she’s found within herself.By the end, they feel like each other’s lifeline. Not perfect. Not effortless. But real. Two people choosing each other, again and again, through chaos and calm alike. Together, they embody hard-earned happiness, and that’s what makes their story unforgettable. Ryke and Daisy:I have to admit, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Ryke when I first read his book. Something about him didn’t fully click with me back then. But in this story? He completely amazed me in the best way possible.What stood out most was his relationship with Lo. The way he shows up for him, supports him, and loves him so wholeheartedly is something I truly admire. It’s not just brotherhood, it’s loyalty, understanding, and a bond that feels unshakable. Seeing that side of him changed my entire perspective.And Daisy… she is sweetness personified. Caring, gentle, and loving in a way that naturally draws you in. Even though she’s the younger sister, she somehow carries herself with a maturity that makes her feel like the emotional anchor in the group. I don’t even know how to explain it, she just has that presence.Together, Ryke and Daisy balance each other perfectly. Strength and softness, chaos and calm. They fit in a way that feels effortless and right.── .✦Overall, I truly enjoyed this book. It pulled me in emotionally, kept me invested in the characters, and made me care about their journey in a way that feels rare. Despite the chaos, the drama, and the moments that tested my patience, I’m genuinely glad I picked it up.Now I just want to continue the series and experience everything that comes next. I’m excited to see how these characters grow, what challenges they’ll face, and how their stories will unfold.I can already tell, I won’t be stopping anytime soon. I’m in this series for the long run.>>> ──────── .✦.