[Diane’s Review]: Some Mistakes Were Made by Kristin Dwyer

Some Mistakes Were Made
by Kristin Dwyer
Published by HarperTeen
Release Date: April 26th 2022
Genres: Contemporary Romance, YA
Source: Publisher
Format Read: ARC
Goodreads

Ellis and Easton have been inseparable since childhood. But when a rash decision throws Ellis’s life—and her relationship with Easton— into chaos she’s forced to move halfway across the country, far from everything she’s ever known.

Now Ellis hasn’t spoken to Easton in a year, and maybe it’s better that way; maybe eventually the Easton shaped hole in her heart will heal. But when Easton’s mother invites her home for a celebration, Ellis finds herself tangled up in the web of heartache, betrayal, and anger she left behind... and with the boy she never stopped loving.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

An Absolutely Heartbreakingly Beautiful Debut!

Kristin Dwyer has set the bar high for teen love and longing.

This was a book that I couldn’t put down! Dwyer weaves an element of mystery in with the classic contemporary romance, making it something of its own. With a beautiful prose you really get a sense of Ellis and Easton and their ties to one another. The angst and tension Kristin creates is something I felt deep in my chest as I turned each page.

Ellis is a person who has endured so much, and often her guilt overcomes her. I found myself clutching at my heart when she and Easton were on the page. Their relationship is such a complicated one, but rooted so deep in who they are as people. Easton would not be Easton without Ellis, and Ellis would not be Ellis without Easton.

There is a beauty in friends to lovers in that some of the best, most complex relationships blossom from the soil of their childhood spent together.

The touching, heartbreaking moments between Ellis and East was constantly leaving my vision clouded with moisture and my heart pounding. I wanted to scream at them both for their stubbornness towards each other. At Ellis for the clear love she is shown and deserves by East’s family. For East for being a complete idiot who doesn’t dig deeper.

Each and every character was so well developed and able to stand on their own. The resentment that Ellis felt wasn’t far-fetched or unrealistic, in fact a lot of her actions I could envision myself doing at that age. Both Ellis and Easton were crafted from a genuine place in Kristin’s heart and you can tell.

If you love love, and longing, and angst, and anger all in one place this is certainly an excellent read. Oh, and if you love to cry, because… who doesn’t love a good cry?

Kristin has really made me see YA Contemporary Romances in a new light and I will without question be buying all of her future books.