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Something in the Way #1-4
Something in the Way: A Love Saga
"A tale of forbidden love in epic proportion...Brilliant"—New York Times Bestselling Author Corinne Michaels It was a hot summer day when I met him on the construction site next to my parents' house. Under the sweat and dirt, Manning Sutter was as handsome as the sun was bright. He was older, darker, experienced. I had never even been kissed. We found something in each other that would link us in ways that couldn't be broken...no matter how hard we tried. Because even though I saw Manning first . . . my older sister saw him next. Includes the complete, USA TODAY bestselling forbidden romance Something in the Way, Somebody Else's Sky, Move the Stars, and Lake + Manning.
1222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
February 7, 2025
I love this story soooo I need to read again!
It’s worth reading!
It’s worth reading!
July 2, 2020
Annoying and disgusted..
The storyline was annoying. The h was weak and the heroine was a pushover and weak too. The h refused to be with her and married her sister for four years. As soon as he finds out she is getting serious with someone he goes to her. The h then sleeps with him after he chose another woman/her sister. He cheats on his wife her sister but hay she didn't like her anyway. I can't believed how the h was weak and pathetic. I couldn't stand both characters.
The guy cheated on his girlfriend/wife the whole time and the h couldn't care less. Oh hay but he loves her. There really wasn't much to this story except about a weak heroine and a cheating h. What a wasted annoying attempt trying to read this book. It would have been better if the heroine got married too instead of making her a weak and pathetic character. Pass on this one..
The storyline was annoying. The h was weak and the heroine was a pushover and weak too. The h refused to be with her and married her sister for four years. As soon as he finds out she is getting serious with someone he goes to her. The h then sleeps with him after he chose another woman/her sister. He cheats on his wife her sister but hay she didn't like her anyway. I can't believed how the h was weak and pathetic. I couldn't stand both characters.
The guy cheated on his girlfriend/wife the whole time and the h couldn't care less. Oh hay but he loves her. There really wasn't much to this story except about a weak heroine and a cheating h. What a wasted annoying attempt trying to read this book. It would have been better if the heroine got married too instead of making her a weak and pathetic character. Pass on this one..
February 4, 2020
Something in the way:A Love Saga a gut-wrenching breath-taking filled five-star reads. I read and reviewed all of the stories in the saga as novels and have re-read them as a saga set and they just made me smile and blub so much again!! These are the individual reviews, make sure you don’t miss this Saga.
This is the first book in the Something in the way series, the next book isn’t released for a couple of months and Jessica Hawkins has just become number one on my most hated list, she used to be number one on my fan girl list, but agggghhhhhh. I loved this book even though I spent a large chuck of the reading time with that horrid sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I am sobbing like a baby because it’s over!! May can’t come soon enough. You need this book in your life, especially if you were around in the 90s, even if you weren’t you still need it to understand the pain we went through. (life was hard, no mobile phones (you generally had to talk on the house phone in front of your parents) no GPS, no internet to get more details of your latest crush. ie stalk)
Sixteen-year-old Lake Dolly Kaplan is a young woman with a serious head on her very innocent shoulders, she has never been kissed, she enjoys studying and her dad has a plan for her that doesn’t involve unsuitable boys, that’s what her sister is for. Lake has never thought of boys in the way that she starts thinking of him, a hot, dark yummy older man who works construction next door.
Him being Twenty-three-year-old Manning Raymond Sutter a man who knows first-hand that life isn’t fair, when he finds up a gold bracelet on site he didn’t realise it would change his life in more ways that anyone would think possible. Manning and Lake have a connection, but he knows she in innocent and he wants to keep her that way. But life doesn’t always work out the way you want, and no matter how hard you want your happy ever after you don’t always get it. Lake may have seen Manning first but her older sister Tiffany sees him next, and Tiffany is a girl who gets what she wants, just ask her daddy.
I loved how this book was set in a simpler time, the 90s were my golden era so I loved all the references and remembering just how hard life was without such things as a mobile phone, things like having to rush home to make sure you didn’t miss a call from a boy you like. I was so surprised by the characters in this book, I can’t wait to see Lake come into her own more. I also surprised myself as I saw more of myself in Tiffany than I liked. I will even own up to how much I wanted to change my name to Tiffany when I was younger as mine was so boring, and I used to have a massive girl crush on Tiffany the late 80s pop star, I still sing along every time I hear the song (head hanging in shame). Most of all I want to thank Jessica Hawkins for yet another amazing book, if only she wrote faster, she would be the perfect woman and I could still fan girl over her.
Somebody Else’s Sky by Jessica Hawkins a gut-wrenching breath-taking five-star read. This is the second book in the Something in the way series. Manning Raymond Sutter is behind bars when we meet him in this second instalment, he has spent his time in the concrete jungle with bars trying his hardest not to think of the girl he is there because he was trying to save, what makes it harder for him is the fact her sister has stood by him and she visits every chance she can. Tiffany has been his person and for that he keeps telling himself he must forget Lake no matter how hard that is, it’s for the best if he isn’t involved with Lake, not only is she too young, but she needs to spread her wings and fly. Manning has come to the conclusion that Love comes in many forms and no matter how much you love someone it’s not always easy, and love doesn’t conquer all, but sometimes with kindness and support you may get somewhere in the end.
This book took the story we started to love in the first book, and grew it into something you love to the stars and back, we watch as Lake grows from a sixteen your old teen to a young woman graduating school and starting life. Tiffany who I had a tiny soft spot for in the first book, who now I have a bigger soft spot for (I know, not a popular reaction) growing up and even though she’s still a spoilt brat, we see her and Lake’s history and relationship and without giving the game away we see how their lives are going, we see them take their own path in life. If you don’t have this series in your life, why? You need it now!! Get ready before the third book comes as you would miss a great series.
Move the Stars by Jessica Hawkins a gut-wrenching breath-taking five-star read. This is the third and final book in the Something In the Way series, and You will laugh and you will cry, (You will need a whole box of tissues). You do need to have read the first two books in the series, and you may want to book time off in advance to read them, as I guarantee you will not want to put them down. What started as one hot summers day between a naïve sixteen-year-old girl named Lake Dolly Kaplan and a bad boy construction worker Twenty-three-year-old Manning Raymond Sutter. They come from different life’s and have different plans, things happened and life happens. This is the book we get to find out what happens.
I can’t give the game away and I don’t want to spoil the story, so I don’t want to give the story away but if you read one series then this is the one for you. If you are over the age of 35 you will love the 90’s references and will remember how hard it was dating back then. If you ever had a bad boy you loved, you will love this book. Generally, if you like a good read, you will love this book as well. If you are after a series that will fill your heart and break it, then fill it and break it again. You will love this series. Jessica Hawkins has caused uproar with this series, there is a fan group for each book on Facebook and they warn not to enter until you have read the books, and they are so entertaining. I have avoided this last one as I lose hours in the others, mainly arguing about my views on Lakes sister Tiffany.
Go buy the books, I have only just finished it and I plan to do another re-read of all three books, they really are that good. I have ordered all three books for several friends, as presents as I know they wouldn’t pick it up. But everyone needs this series in their lives.
Well done Jessica Hawkins on a great and sublime five-star read.
This is the first book in the Something in the way series, the next book isn’t released for a couple of months and Jessica Hawkins has just become number one on my most hated list, she used to be number one on my fan girl list, but agggghhhhhh. I loved this book even though I spent a large chuck of the reading time with that horrid sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I am sobbing like a baby because it’s over!! May can’t come soon enough. You need this book in your life, especially if you were around in the 90s, even if you weren’t you still need it to understand the pain we went through. (life was hard, no mobile phones (you generally had to talk on the house phone in front of your parents) no GPS, no internet to get more details of your latest crush. ie stalk)
Sixteen-year-old Lake Dolly Kaplan is a young woman with a serious head on her very innocent shoulders, she has never been kissed, she enjoys studying and her dad has a plan for her that doesn’t involve unsuitable boys, that’s what her sister is for. Lake has never thought of boys in the way that she starts thinking of him, a hot, dark yummy older man who works construction next door.
Him being Twenty-three-year-old Manning Raymond Sutter a man who knows first-hand that life isn’t fair, when he finds up a gold bracelet on site he didn’t realise it would change his life in more ways that anyone would think possible. Manning and Lake have a connection, but he knows she in innocent and he wants to keep her that way. But life doesn’t always work out the way you want, and no matter how hard you want your happy ever after you don’t always get it. Lake may have seen Manning first but her older sister Tiffany sees him next, and Tiffany is a girl who gets what she wants, just ask her daddy.
I loved how this book was set in a simpler time, the 90s were my golden era so I loved all the references and remembering just how hard life was without such things as a mobile phone, things like having to rush home to make sure you didn’t miss a call from a boy you like. I was so surprised by the characters in this book, I can’t wait to see Lake come into her own more. I also surprised myself as I saw more of myself in Tiffany than I liked. I will even own up to how much I wanted to change my name to Tiffany when I was younger as mine was so boring, and I used to have a massive girl crush on Tiffany the late 80s pop star, I still sing along every time I hear the song (head hanging in shame). Most of all I want to thank Jessica Hawkins for yet another amazing book, if only she wrote faster, she would be the perfect woman and I could still fan girl over her.
Somebody Else’s Sky by Jessica Hawkins a gut-wrenching breath-taking five-star read. This is the second book in the Something in the way series. Manning Raymond Sutter is behind bars when we meet him in this second instalment, he has spent his time in the concrete jungle with bars trying his hardest not to think of the girl he is there because he was trying to save, what makes it harder for him is the fact her sister has stood by him and she visits every chance she can. Tiffany has been his person and for that he keeps telling himself he must forget Lake no matter how hard that is, it’s for the best if he isn’t involved with Lake, not only is she too young, but she needs to spread her wings and fly. Manning has come to the conclusion that Love comes in many forms and no matter how much you love someone it’s not always easy, and love doesn’t conquer all, but sometimes with kindness and support you may get somewhere in the end.
This book took the story we started to love in the first book, and grew it into something you love to the stars and back, we watch as Lake grows from a sixteen your old teen to a young woman graduating school and starting life. Tiffany who I had a tiny soft spot for in the first book, who now I have a bigger soft spot for (I know, not a popular reaction) growing up and even though she’s still a spoilt brat, we see her and Lake’s history and relationship and without giving the game away we see how their lives are going, we see them take their own path in life. If you don’t have this series in your life, why? You need it now!! Get ready before the third book comes as you would miss a great series.
Move the Stars by Jessica Hawkins a gut-wrenching breath-taking five-star read. This is the third and final book in the Something In the Way series, and You will laugh and you will cry, (You will need a whole box of tissues). You do need to have read the first two books in the series, and you may want to book time off in advance to read them, as I guarantee you will not want to put them down. What started as one hot summers day between a naïve sixteen-year-old girl named Lake Dolly Kaplan and a bad boy construction worker Twenty-three-year-old Manning Raymond Sutter. They come from different life’s and have different plans, things happened and life happens. This is the book we get to find out what happens.
I can’t give the game away and I don’t want to spoil the story, so I don’t want to give the story away but if you read one series then this is the one for you. If you are over the age of 35 you will love the 90’s references and will remember how hard it was dating back then. If you ever had a bad boy you loved, you will love this book. Generally, if you like a good read, you will love this book as well. If you are after a series that will fill your heart and break it, then fill it and break it again. You will love this series. Jessica Hawkins has caused uproar with this series, there is a fan group for each book on Facebook and they warn not to enter until you have read the books, and they are so entertaining. I have avoided this last one as I lose hours in the others, mainly arguing about my views on Lakes sister Tiffany.
Go buy the books, I have only just finished it and I plan to do another re-read of all three books, they really are that good. I have ordered all three books for several friends, as presents as I know they wouldn’t pick it up. But everyone needs this series in their lives.
Well done Jessica Hawkins on a great and sublime five-star read.
August 2, 2023
I am not a fan of books with too many pages. When I realised this was over 1000 pages I was too interested to give up on it. I felt this story was dragged out way more than it needed to be. I liked both characters and all the drama most of the time. Did I agree with everything that went down? No way! Many readers would not tolerate some of the things in this story, but for me, I know it is fiction and I just needed to get over it. It still entertained me most of the time, but having finished 3 books and 70% of the way through, I just could not read another book. I am happy to walk away now and know that this couple got their HEA (whether they did or not, i don’t know). I would love to read more from this author, just one book though.
March 11, 2024
Lake + Manning!!!!
This series is an automatic re-read for me. the forbidden aspect of this story guts me every single time.
Need to find a man like Manning in my life :)
This series is an automatic re-read for me. the forbidden aspect of this story guts me every single time.
Need to find a man like Manning in my life :)
February 22, 2024
holy smokes
This was such a long story, but it was so emotional. I do wish Manning would have fought harder but it is what it is, he was doing what he thought best.
This was such a long story, but it was so emotional. I do wish Manning would have fought harder but it is what it is, he was doing what he thought best.
July 20, 2022
Something In The Way - Average rating 2.6 stars for the series
Something In The Way - 3 stars
Somebody Else’s Sky - 4 stars
Move The Stars - 2 stars
Lake + Manning - 4 stars
Something In The Way - 3 stars
Somebody Else’s Sky - 4 stars
Move The Stars - 2 stars
Lake + Manning - 4 stars
December 13, 2020
At first the beginning did reel me in. However as the plot continued I was confused on why Manning was still with Tiffany? He continued to be obsessed with Lake but he went on to date Tiffany, move in with her and then get married?? Like I understand if he wanted to move on from Lake because he couldn’t have her but really... her sister? On top of allll that Lake seemed like she did not care about her sister at all by still trying to seduce Manning through out everything. lake was always preaching about not being a kid but always seemed to act like one. It was very annoying. I ended up not finishing at 54% which is the begining of the 3rd book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 11, 2025I’m not even going to rate this book because I absolutely cannot stand the characters. Tiffany was an insufferable “pick me” who was completely full of herself—definitely a narcissist. She constantly put her sister down, which made her even more unbearable. And Lake? She irritated me beyond belief. She was so annoying and pathetic, with her entire existence revolving around Manning. It was always “Manning this, Manning that.” The desperation was unreal. She always looked sooooo fucking desperate for him that I didn't find her whole situation sad at all.. Just fucking embarrassing as hell. She need to learn how to tone down her excitement when being around him. She was always so eager to impress him but she didn’t know what the hell she was doing and only ended up making herself look like a fool. Pathetic pathetic pathetic. She always made it so fucking obvious everytime. She really had no self-respect. At all. Like she'd rather have him sexualize her than not think about her at all. She also ignored other guys and remained hopeful while he's screwing her sister. On top of that, she had zero personality—just bland and boring.
It was also obvious to us readers that she hold secret animosity towards her sister. She always tried to become more like her. She was a pick me too. Cuz like, why are you trying to look pretty for your sister's boyfriend?
Manning himself made no sense to me. He was supposedly so protective of Lake because his sister died, so his solution was… dating her sister to stay close to her? What kind of logic is that? Then he ended up developing feelings for Tiffany too. Honestly, I don’t buy for a second that he ever truly loved Lake. He was clearly attracted to Tiffany and thought about her in a sexual way multiple times, and I doubt he ever felt that way about Lake. Who does he think he is? He pissed me off so much—he genuinely gave me the ick.
And Lake? She just took her sister’s leftover and didn’t even care because, at last, Manning finally chose her. She waited for this moment since forever!! How romantic, right? Not. Tiffany had him first—she was the first to kiss him, sleep with him, and know his secrets. At this point, he might as well have just stayed with her. The book spent more time on Manning and Tiffany’s relationship than on his relationship with Lake, so honestly, it might as well have just been about them. It even made me hate men a little more, despite Manning not being a real person.
And this clueless Lake was so convinced that Manning and Tiffany weren’t actually together.
"“He’s not her boyfriend,” I said.
“Sure seems like it, the way she talks about him.”
“Well, he’s not. Tiffany’s delusional.” She exaggerated everything. She only had him because he was trapped. I knew Manning wouldn’t forget me, even though he hadn’t bothered to write me back. The way he’d touched me—even just for a few seconds—I could feel it in his hands. He wanted me. He cherished me. That kind of thing doesn’t just fade because of some time apart."
Even if her intuition was right, her confidence is infuriating. She really believes a grown man in his twenties would risk going back to jail just to be with a 17-year-old girl. She actually thinks she has everything figured out. Like, did she even try using her brain? I was 16, and even I wasn’t this stupid and naive.
From there, I stopped caring about her character and seeing her hurt brings me joy.
But the whole “protective” shit annoyed me to no end. What even was Lake to him? She wasn’t his sister, and she wasn’t his responsibility, yet he insisted on playing the knight in shining armor. I get that he was traumatized by what happened to his sister, but was it really necessary to marry Tiffany just to “protect” Lake? Who goes to such extreme lengths for someone they barely know? Only complete idiots. Because it was ridiculous how, from the moment he met Lake, he immediately felt the need to protect her just because she seemed innocent and reminded him of his dead sister. Give me a break.
It was as if Lake would be forever “tainted” just for having one moment of fun, and I kept wondering—if there were more girls like her, would Manning feel the need to protect all of them? He can't protect everyone. Let her fucking live her life and be a normal teenager. I genuinely don’t understand why he even claimed to love her at all when there was zero chemistry between them, not even sexually. I don't get it. I get why he cared so much about her and what drew him to her, but what made him fall in love with her in the first place? Especially since his original intention was just to make up for what he couldn’t do for his late sister through Lake. The author tried so hard to push this narrative that everything he did with Tiffany was for Lake and went against his “true feelings” for her. Please. He was in a full-blown relationship with Tiffany, had been inside of her for like I don't know how many times, and had far more intimacy with her than he ever did with Lake. It was just weird. Their love story doesn’t make sense. He wasted his years (was he with her for years? I honestly don't remember anymore. That sums up how much I hate this book) with the wrong person.
Even the writing style threw me off. I actually wanted to like this series, but unfortunately, I just don’t.
It was also obvious to us readers that she hold secret animosity towards her sister. She always tried to become more like her. She was a pick me too. Cuz like, why are you trying to look pretty for your sister's boyfriend?
Manning himself made no sense to me. He was supposedly so protective of Lake because his sister died, so his solution was… dating her sister to stay close to her? What kind of logic is that? Then he ended up developing feelings for Tiffany too. Honestly, I don’t buy for a second that he ever truly loved Lake. He was clearly attracted to Tiffany and thought about her in a sexual way multiple times, and I doubt he ever felt that way about Lake. Who does he think he is? He pissed me off so much—he genuinely gave me the ick.
And Lake? She just took her sister’s leftover and didn’t even care because, at last, Manning finally chose her. She waited for this moment since forever!! How romantic, right? Not. Tiffany had him first—she was the first to kiss him, sleep with him, and know his secrets. At this point, he might as well have just stayed with her. The book spent more time on Manning and Tiffany’s relationship than on his relationship with Lake, so honestly, it might as well have just been about them. It even made me hate men a little more, despite Manning not being a real person.
And this clueless Lake was so convinced that Manning and Tiffany weren’t actually together.
"“He’s not her boyfriend,” I said.
“Sure seems like it, the way she talks about him.”
“Well, he’s not. Tiffany’s delusional.” She exaggerated everything. She only had him because he was trapped. I knew Manning wouldn’t forget me, even though he hadn’t bothered to write me back. The way he’d touched me—even just for a few seconds—I could feel it in his hands. He wanted me. He cherished me. That kind of thing doesn’t just fade because of some time apart."
Even if her intuition was right, her confidence is infuriating. She really believes a grown man in his twenties would risk going back to jail just to be with a 17-year-old girl. She actually thinks she has everything figured out. Like, did she even try using her brain? I was 16, and even I wasn’t this stupid and naive.
From there, I stopped caring about her character and seeing her hurt brings me joy.
But the whole “protective” shit annoyed me to no end. What even was Lake to him? She wasn’t his sister, and she wasn’t his responsibility, yet he insisted on playing the knight in shining armor. I get that he was traumatized by what happened to his sister, but was it really necessary to marry Tiffany just to “protect” Lake? Who goes to such extreme lengths for someone they barely know? Only complete idiots. Because it was ridiculous how, from the moment he met Lake, he immediately felt the need to protect her just because she seemed innocent and reminded him of his dead sister. Give me a break.
It was as if Lake would be forever “tainted” just for having one moment of fun, and I kept wondering—if there were more girls like her, would Manning feel the need to protect all of them? He can't protect everyone. Let her fucking live her life and be a normal teenager. I genuinely don’t understand why he even claimed to love her at all when there was zero chemistry between them, not even sexually. I don't get it. I get why he cared so much about her and what drew him to her, but what made him fall in love with her in the first place? Especially since his original intention was just to make up for what he couldn’t do for his late sister through Lake. The author tried so hard to push this narrative that everything he did with Tiffany was for Lake and went against his “true feelings” for her. Please. He was in a full-blown relationship with Tiffany, had been inside of her for like I don't know how many times, and had far more intimacy with her than he ever did with Lake. It was just weird. Their love story doesn’t make sense. He wasted his years (was he with her for years? I honestly don't remember anymore. That sums up how much I hate this book) with the wrong person.
Even the writing style threw me off. I actually wanted to like this series, but unfortunately, I just don’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2023
what a journey… i survived
February 11, 2020
Something in the Way was about three characters that bonded together yet found themselves in a love triangle. Manning kept both sisters close in honorable ways by encouraging them in different ways. Manning took the reins as a role model and guided these two young sisters. Manning knew the consequences of his friendship with Lake was a situation others would not understand. Trying to convey that to Lake who was not worldly was difficult. Lake's youth caused unexpected reactions on an impulsive level that began a dangerous game entrapping Manning.
Jessica told the story from Lake's POV with a few chapters including Manning's POV. Jessica captured the essence of each character with extreme beauty. Reading about Tiffany's transformation at the hands of Manning was supremely touching. Manning was great with these sisters being able to teach them how to respect each other and show Tiffany how important she was as an older sister who had to be a good role model.
Lake's character was an innocent and naive sixteen year old girl studying college prep courses in preparation for USC. Tiffany her older sister by three years had the same expectations from her father but chose a different lifestyle. Charles Kaplan was a USC alumni who wanted the best for his daughters. He planned both their futures from the time they were born. When Tiffany stubbornly chose to defy her father he turned his attention to Lake. As a consequence, Tiffany's parents became too lenient with her and too strict with Lake. Mom became team Tiffany while dad became team Lake.
Lake focused on school sacrificing her youth with reading and extracurricular activities to add to her application. Therefore, when it came to boys Lake had no experience. Unlike Tiffany who spent her time dating and exploring guys.
The parents banked on Lakes success to overcompensate where they failed with Tiffany. The parents were afraid Tiffany's influence would rub off on Lake.
Construction was taking place across the street from the Kaplan's house where Lake met Manning. At twenty-three Manning was a gentleman with common sense and control. Manning became a role model guiding the girls like a brother. Except Tiffany and Lake were both attracted to him. Tiffany was a nineteen year old girl who asserted herself physically and vocally towards guys.
Manning was aiming for honorable intentions with both girls unknowingly to himself what his attention was creating. Manning provided hope and encouragement to the sisters in different ways trying to guide them both into young women deserving of a good man.
Jessica captured the essence of Lake's feelings with such beauty. The way Lake's innocence shined and blossomed was truly magnificent. Every time I had an idea Jessica confirmed those thoughts by revealing the words through Lake's character.
Jessica high jacked my heart. The circumstances in Something in the Way went way beyond what I imagined. Jessica hooked me from beginning to end. The entire triangle of friendship between Manning, Tiffany, and Lake was a learning lesson in life so unexpected.
“You have so much to learn about life." This quote was the perfect summation to this story. These characters had so much to learn about life. The way Jessica created certain circumstances to illustrate how true that statement was messed with my head.
Somebody Else’s Sky
Once I read about the bracelet and Lake's famous sandwich, pieces of the story started to fall back into place. The mention of camp flooded my mind with the entire set of events that sent Manning to prison.
In the beginning of the story, Manning spent his time in prison coping in the best possible ways for a guy wrongly accused. With each passing day Manning grew impatient becoming more hostile and agitated. It was an interesting dilemma reading about Manning's time in prison. This was a different look and angle to Manning's character that was enlightening.
Somebody Else's Sky was a journey into Manning's situation. Never had I ever encountered such a dilemma. Jessica put quite a spin on the choices and struggles Manning made.
I gained new perspective into Manning's character. I knew and understood the battles he faced with Lake, but I had no idea the toll it placed on him until he went to prison. Manning's character tested the boundaries of love causing and forcing him to make sacrifices in his life. His entire future was rerouted based on the love of one forbidden girl.
Somebody Else's Sky didn't begin quite how I envisioned it to begin after the way it ended in Somebody in the Way Once Manning's character was explained and developed the story transitioned in a direction that had me glued to the words. I was not loving it at first, but it grew on me. Before long I found I could not put it down.
This story was about the turmoil of loving a person too perfect. Circumstances that were still unclear about the night he was accused of robbery remained a mystery. Even though, I had my suspicions.
Charles molded those girls for a future he orchestrated. So many factors came into play in regards to the choices made by Tiffany and Manning. Sometimes life makes choices for us based upon the circumstances of life. When the stars don't line up in your favor you rearrange your life to accommodate the remaining options available to you. This was what I gathered while reading about this situation.
In Move the Stars, life moved forward. Everyone lived with the choices made. Whether the choices were bad or not they were made and the consequences of those choices brought about growth and perspective.
Lake is older. No longer living the life of an innocent adolescent. She is a grown woman in charge of her life. No one controls her life or her choices.
Jessica is a superb writer. She wrote in alternating points of view illustrating the feelings and emotions of both main characters. The emotions were intense and worded so beautifully. She didn’t hold back on anything. Every concern, every consequence, every action was laid out.
In this series, Jessica successfully delivered a forbidden romance. With elements of a love triangle, sibling rivalry, a young adolescent, influential parents, and one guy, it doesn’t get anymore complicated than that. With themes of love, jealousy, insecurities, betrayal, hate, and hope, Move the Stars opens the door to expose raw feelings and truths from all sides. The vulnerability these characters exposed reeked havoc on my emotions.
The final installment gave us Mannings perspective and reasoning for all his choices. It’s clarity at its finest. The baring of each other’s souls was breathtaking. The honesty shared while exposing vulnerabilities was chilling. Having the reasons and answers to choices made allowed me to breathe easier. Any judgement I made about these characters turned to compassion, shedding new light on each of the circumstances. I gained new perspective from the unveiling of their actions. I loved the words spoken, since the actions were the driving force in the prior books. It was nice to hear what never got spoken for fear of being accused wrongly.
The story was everything I expected and unlike everything I hadn’t expected. It went in directions I hoped while also in directions I hadn’t expected. Did Jessica surprise me with the choices, reasons, and outcomes? Yes and no. In some cases, I plotted differently in my mind, but at the same time the direction Jessica chose was successful.
Everything Jessica set up in the prior books came to fruition in this final book.
Move The Stars was about making choices. The consequences of those choices carved the path for these characters in very unexpected ways.
Lake + Manning is the final installment in this new adult romance. This fourth book was the complete closure to their happily ever after. With a few more obstacles to overcome the excitement continues with blossoming love.
Lake showed tremendous growth and took on adult responsibilities. Lake has matured as well as the minor characters introduced in prior books.
Manning embraced family and learned to respect and cherish family. Having no family of his own Manning made it his mission to settle the score with her family.
Jessica proved these characters had the true meaning of a partnership. They were a united team who had each other’s back. They had the solid foundation needed to confront past mistakes in order to face the future they waited for.
I was in favor of the way Jessica executed Lake and Manning’s story with seasonal sections highlighting the important milestones.
Jessica told the story from Lake's POV with a few chapters including Manning's POV. Jessica captured the essence of each character with extreme beauty. Reading about Tiffany's transformation at the hands of Manning was supremely touching. Manning was great with these sisters being able to teach them how to respect each other and show Tiffany how important she was as an older sister who had to be a good role model.
Lake's character was an innocent and naive sixteen year old girl studying college prep courses in preparation for USC. Tiffany her older sister by three years had the same expectations from her father but chose a different lifestyle. Charles Kaplan was a USC alumni who wanted the best for his daughters. He planned both their futures from the time they were born. When Tiffany stubbornly chose to defy her father he turned his attention to Lake. As a consequence, Tiffany's parents became too lenient with her and too strict with Lake. Mom became team Tiffany while dad became team Lake.
Lake focused on school sacrificing her youth with reading and extracurricular activities to add to her application. Therefore, when it came to boys Lake had no experience. Unlike Tiffany who spent her time dating and exploring guys.
The parents banked on Lakes success to overcompensate where they failed with Tiffany. The parents were afraid Tiffany's influence would rub off on Lake.
Construction was taking place across the street from the Kaplan's house where Lake met Manning. At twenty-three Manning was a gentleman with common sense and control. Manning became a role model guiding the girls like a brother. Except Tiffany and Lake were both attracted to him. Tiffany was a nineteen year old girl who asserted herself physically and vocally towards guys.
Manning was aiming for honorable intentions with both girls unknowingly to himself what his attention was creating. Manning provided hope and encouragement to the sisters in different ways trying to guide them both into young women deserving of a good man.
Jessica captured the essence of Lake's feelings with such beauty. The way Lake's innocence shined and blossomed was truly magnificent. Every time I had an idea Jessica confirmed those thoughts by revealing the words through Lake's character.
Jessica high jacked my heart. The circumstances in Something in the Way went way beyond what I imagined. Jessica hooked me from beginning to end. The entire triangle of friendship between Manning, Tiffany, and Lake was a learning lesson in life so unexpected.
“You have so much to learn about life." This quote was the perfect summation to this story. These characters had so much to learn about life. The way Jessica created certain circumstances to illustrate how true that statement was messed with my head.
Somebody Else’s Sky
Once I read about the bracelet and Lake's famous sandwich, pieces of the story started to fall back into place. The mention of camp flooded my mind with the entire set of events that sent Manning to prison.
In the beginning of the story, Manning spent his time in prison coping in the best possible ways for a guy wrongly accused. With each passing day Manning grew impatient becoming more hostile and agitated. It was an interesting dilemma reading about Manning's time in prison. This was a different look and angle to Manning's character that was enlightening.
Somebody Else's Sky was a journey into Manning's situation. Never had I ever encountered such a dilemma. Jessica put quite a spin on the choices and struggles Manning made.
I gained new perspective into Manning's character. I knew and understood the battles he faced with Lake, but I had no idea the toll it placed on him until he went to prison. Manning's character tested the boundaries of love causing and forcing him to make sacrifices in his life. His entire future was rerouted based on the love of one forbidden girl.
Somebody Else's Sky didn't begin quite how I envisioned it to begin after the way it ended in Somebody in the Way Once Manning's character was explained and developed the story transitioned in a direction that had me glued to the words. I was not loving it at first, but it grew on me. Before long I found I could not put it down.
This story was about the turmoil of loving a person too perfect. Circumstances that were still unclear about the night he was accused of robbery remained a mystery. Even though, I had my suspicions.
Charles molded those girls for a future he orchestrated. So many factors came into play in regards to the choices made by Tiffany and Manning. Sometimes life makes choices for us based upon the circumstances of life. When the stars don't line up in your favor you rearrange your life to accommodate the remaining options available to you. This was what I gathered while reading about this situation.
In Move the Stars, life moved forward. Everyone lived with the choices made. Whether the choices were bad or not they were made and the consequences of those choices brought about growth and perspective.
Lake is older. No longer living the life of an innocent adolescent. She is a grown woman in charge of her life. No one controls her life or her choices.
Jessica is a superb writer. She wrote in alternating points of view illustrating the feelings and emotions of both main characters. The emotions were intense and worded so beautifully. She didn’t hold back on anything. Every concern, every consequence, every action was laid out.
In this series, Jessica successfully delivered a forbidden romance. With elements of a love triangle, sibling rivalry, a young adolescent, influential parents, and one guy, it doesn’t get anymore complicated than that. With themes of love, jealousy, insecurities, betrayal, hate, and hope, Move the Stars opens the door to expose raw feelings and truths from all sides. The vulnerability these characters exposed reeked havoc on my emotions.
The final installment gave us Mannings perspective and reasoning for all his choices. It’s clarity at its finest. The baring of each other’s souls was breathtaking. The honesty shared while exposing vulnerabilities was chilling. Having the reasons and answers to choices made allowed me to breathe easier. Any judgement I made about these characters turned to compassion, shedding new light on each of the circumstances. I gained new perspective from the unveiling of their actions. I loved the words spoken, since the actions were the driving force in the prior books. It was nice to hear what never got spoken for fear of being accused wrongly.
The story was everything I expected and unlike everything I hadn’t expected. It went in directions I hoped while also in directions I hadn’t expected. Did Jessica surprise me with the choices, reasons, and outcomes? Yes and no. In some cases, I plotted differently in my mind, but at the same time the direction Jessica chose was successful.
Everything Jessica set up in the prior books came to fruition in this final book.
Move The Stars was about making choices. The consequences of those choices carved the path for these characters in very unexpected ways.
Lake + Manning is the final installment in this new adult romance. This fourth book was the complete closure to their happily ever after. With a few more obstacles to overcome the excitement continues with blossoming love.
Lake showed tremendous growth and took on adult responsibilities. Lake has matured as well as the minor characters introduced in prior books.
Manning embraced family and learned to respect and cherish family. Having no family of his own Manning made it his mission to settle the score with her family.
Jessica proved these characters had the true meaning of a partnership. They were a united team who had each other’s back. They had the solid foundation needed to confront past mistakes in order to face the future they waited for.
I was in favor of the way Jessica executed Lake and Manning’s story with seasonal sections highlighting the important milestones.
March 20, 2021
Very Disturbing and Dysfunctional😵😡🤦🙍💔
OMG! This was Love/Hate book. This series took me a while to read and actually between the second n third book I skip pages because i just had a lot of frustration I felt like I was wasting my time. Don't get me wrong I like drama and the heartbreaking of love specially your first love. Also I like a story with older guy young girl relationships, but what I hated was the plot, storyline, and weak characters specially the females. Omg it was annoying and maddening, but I guess I will say it did bring my emotions out, my reactions are flustered. I hated that it had to do between two sisters it was just too much.
I first read the first book a while back for free and I kept waiting for the next books to be free too until finally they where on prime reading. The first book hooks you in and it was exciting and interesting and it keep wondering what will happen next. This is the story Lake a 16 yr old girl and Manning a 23yr old construction worker and Tiffany Lake's 19 yr old sister. One sunny day Lake meets Manning his working on her neighbors home, she waiting for sister to come. They start conversing and just talk nothing more but eventually Lake start having a crush on Manning but he knows he can't show no interest, he knows there can't be anything between them since she is a minor. Then Tiffany shows interest too and Manning goes along with it only to be close to Lake.
This story is very dysfunctional. Lake a 16 yr old, that lives in Newport Beach CA, top grade student, with a future set to go to USC as her dad did. Does what daddy wants. She caring, smart and sweet. Tiffany 19 yr old, still lives at home, doesn't work, its a big flirt, parties n sleeps around, has attitude, she envy and jealous of Lake, she's mean, doesn't get along with dad, does whatever she want without any care who gets hurt. Manning 23yr old has had a hard upbringing, his dad is in jail for killing his little sister, mom left and he believes he not worth enough, that he doesn't deserve love or anything good so he gives up Lake first because if her age and second he believes she deserves better life. Overall I felt this girls where spoil, naive, entitled, insecure, manipulative, weak and there lives revolved around two men, Manning and their dad. They didn't know their worth so all they did was fight and compete over a guy. Manning was also weak and a jerk because he knew he couldn't express his feelings for Lake since she was underage but instead of walking away from both sister and just leave and move on, no he goes and marries Tiffany. I hated this part it was too much, loves one sister, marries the other for 4years almost has a baby with her, goes back to look for Lake and both end up sleeping together cheating on the sister. It was Infurating to see how sad this girls where portrait. Toward the end I started coming around because it was a heartbreaking love story after all but when you mix family is too complicated.
OMG! This was Love/Hate book. This series took me a while to read and actually between the second n third book I skip pages because i just had a lot of frustration I felt like I was wasting my time. Don't get me wrong I like drama and the heartbreaking of love specially your first love. Also I like a story with older guy young girl relationships, but what I hated was the plot, storyline, and weak characters specially the females. Omg it was annoying and maddening, but I guess I will say it did bring my emotions out, my reactions are flustered. I hated that it had to do between two sisters it was just too much.
I first read the first book a while back for free and I kept waiting for the next books to be free too until finally they where on prime reading. The first book hooks you in and it was exciting and interesting and it keep wondering what will happen next. This is the story Lake a 16 yr old girl and Manning a 23yr old construction worker and Tiffany Lake's 19 yr old sister. One sunny day Lake meets Manning his working on her neighbors home, she waiting for sister to come. They start conversing and just talk nothing more but eventually Lake start having a crush on Manning but he knows he can't show no interest, he knows there can't be anything between them since she is a minor. Then Tiffany shows interest too and Manning goes along with it only to be close to Lake.
This story is very dysfunctional. Lake a 16 yr old, that lives in Newport Beach CA, top grade student, with a future set to go to USC as her dad did. Does what daddy wants. She caring, smart and sweet. Tiffany 19 yr old, still lives at home, doesn't work, its a big flirt, parties n sleeps around, has attitude, she envy and jealous of Lake, she's mean, doesn't get along with dad, does whatever she want without any care who gets hurt. Manning 23yr old has had a hard upbringing, his dad is in jail for killing his little sister, mom left and he believes he not worth enough, that he doesn't deserve love or anything good so he gives up Lake first because if her age and second he believes she deserves better life. Overall I felt this girls where spoil, naive, entitled, insecure, manipulative, weak and there lives revolved around two men, Manning and their dad. They didn't know their worth so all they did was fight and compete over a guy. Manning was also weak and a jerk because he knew he couldn't express his feelings for Lake since she was underage but instead of walking away from both sister and just leave and move on, no he goes and marries Tiffany. I hated this part it was too much, loves one sister, marries the other for 4years almost has a baby with her, goes back to look for Lake and both end up sleeping together cheating on the sister. It was Infurating to see how sad this girls where portrait. Toward the end I started coming around because it was a heartbreaking love story after all but when you mix family is too complicated.
December 24, 2021
I am Obsessed!!
Something in the Way review:
This was utterly addicting! I think I’m obsessed!!
Something in the Way is the first book in a forbidden, angsty, age-gap love saga!
The MC, Lake, first meets Manning when she is 16 and he’s 23. From the moment they meet you could tell they just had this instant connection to each other. They strike up a fast friendship, which I loved. And I will say nothing even sort of romantic happens between them in this book so don’t let the age thing get to you, Lake may be young and a little naive but she’s smart and so is Manning, they know it’s wrong. But then her sister sets her eyes on him and things just get so much intense and angsty from there on. I can’t say anything else without spoiling it.
Manning is fast becoming one my new favourite book boyfriends!
I don’t want to give too much away as I feel you just need to dive in and go along for the ride, but my god I was not expecting to love this as much as I am. And OMG that ending! Talk about Intense!😱 I have no idea what’s going to happen next but I’m NEED to find out!
This whole series is available in KU if want to give a go and I highly recommend it. Thank you to Belle Book Box for bringing this book into my life!
Somebody Else’s Sky review:
My heart is utterly broken for Lake 😭
Nothing that I thought would happen in this one happened but it was still so good 😩
The slow burn, the forbiddenness, the angst, it’s slowly killing me.
Manning has some serious grovelling to do in the next book! I hope Lake makes him work for her forgiveness. But I still want them to be together 🤞🤞
I won’t give any spoilers but feel free to message me if you want to know what went down!
Move the Stars review:
My god! What a roller coaster this was!! Just when I thought they’d finally get their happy ever after it gets ripped out from under them 😫
I won’t give any spoilers as I feel you just need to dive in knowing nothing, but message me if really want the details. This isn’t a proper review this is just me venting 😂
I have a never hated a character as much as I hate Tiffany 😤 she’s a manipulative, back stabbing bitch.
Those last few chapters were absolutely heartwarming 🥺 I am so happy there is a 4th book as I need to see them happy and thriving, I’ll diving into next one asap!
Lake + Manning review:
Oh this was everything I could’ve asked for and more 🥰
I am so happy we finally got a book we’re they were together and happy and so in love 😍
I also loved that it followed them over a few years and we got to see them at different stages in their life! And that it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, I actually teared up few times but they proved that their love can overcome anything
I will say that Tiffany kind of redeemed herself in this one, though I still hate what she did to them in the other books.
I’m kind of sad that it’s over now 😔 I think I could just keep reading about them forever
Something in the Way review:
This was utterly addicting! I think I’m obsessed!!
Something in the Way is the first book in a forbidden, angsty, age-gap love saga!
The MC, Lake, first meets Manning when she is 16 and he’s 23. From the moment they meet you could tell they just had this instant connection to each other. They strike up a fast friendship, which I loved. And I will say nothing even sort of romantic happens between them in this book so don’t let the age thing get to you, Lake may be young and a little naive but she’s smart and so is Manning, they know it’s wrong. But then her sister sets her eyes on him and things just get so much intense and angsty from there on. I can’t say anything else without spoiling it.
Manning is fast becoming one my new favourite book boyfriends!
I don’t want to give too much away as I feel you just need to dive in and go along for the ride, but my god I was not expecting to love this as much as I am. And OMG that ending! Talk about Intense!😱 I have no idea what’s going to happen next but I’m NEED to find out!
This whole series is available in KU if want to give a go and I highly recommend it. Thank you to Belle Book Box for bringing this book into my life!
Somebody Else’s Sky review:
My heart is utterly broken for Lake 😭
Nothing that I thought would happen in this one happened but it was still so good 😩
The slow burn, the forbiddenness, the angst, it’s slowly killing me.
Manning has some serious grovelling to do in the next book! I hope Lake makes him work for her forgiveness. But I still want them to be together 🤞🤞
I won’t give any spoilers but feel free to message me if you want to know what went down!
Move the Stars review:
My god! What a roller coaster this was!! Just when I thought they’d finally get their happy ever after it gets ripped out from under them 😫
I won’t give any spoilers as I feel you just need to dive in knowing nothing, but message me if really want the details. This isn’t a proper review this is just me venting 😂
I have a never hated a character as much as I hate Tiffany 😤 she’s a manipulative, back stabbing bitch.
Those last few chapters were absolutely heartwarming 🥺 I am so happy there is a 4th book as I need to see them happy and thriving, I’ll diving into next one asap!
Lake + Manning review:
Oh this was everything I could’ve asked for and more 🥰
I am so happy we finally got a book we’re they were together and happy and so in love 😍
I also loved that it followed them over a few years and we got to see them at different stages in their life! And that it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, I actually teared up few times but they proved that their love can overcome anything
I will say that Tiffany kind of redeemed herself in this one, though I still hate what she did to them in the other books.
I’m kind of sad that it’s over now 😔 I think I could just keep reading about them forever
July 27, 2022
I have never written a review, so please bare with me on my feeble attempt at describing the emotions this series brought out of me.
I was so invested in this life story from the first meet encounter. The first book I ever read by Jessica Hawkins was Slip of the tongue and I have yet to finish that series. I have been trying to get back into reading for YEARS. I would lose myself in books as a coping mechanism when I was younger. However, life happened and reading fell aside for my many responsibilities. Kids, work, bills, trying to make ends meet and I stopped reading in the process. I’ve probably read a total of 5 books in the last 10 years. Sad, I know.
When I started reading Something in the way I could not put it down. It also helped that I downloaded it on the Kindle app. When I upgraded my phone I refused to download any games and decided to swap my “game time” to read. And I could not have chosen a better series to dive back into reading. Having easy access allowed me to read at every stagnant moment I had.
Alright, on to the real reason I am here… Starting off, When starting the series, I was brought back to 16 when I had nothing figured out. Lakes innocence and her relationship with her sister, Tiffany, are what initially pulled me in. Now, I’m not saying my life was anything close to the story line. But the emotions it brought out of me were very familiar and real. There is a perfect combination of love, friendships, family (and the drama that comes with it), heartbreak, and fear! The fear that the story will not work out the way we all know it should! Let us not forget about the sex. There was just enough that it did not take away from the rest of the storyline.
I’m not going to get into specifics, but there was an instance where I almost lost my cool and cried. This book was so well written that the emotions coming from within were so strong. Don’t get me wrong, at times it did get frustrating because there are situations that SHOULD NOT have happened; however, there are situations almost identical in real life. Not everyone has it all figured out and certain people do need to grow to learn. Just because something is taboo does not mean it does not happen. I am not here to judge the book as a one size fits all and just because I enjoyed it does not mean you will. Needless to say, I loved this series and although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. I highly recommend so long as you are not the type to judge the characters flaws and choices.
I was so invested in this life story from the first meet encounter. The first book I ever read by Jessica Hawkins was Slip of the tongue and I have yet to finish that series. I have been trying to get back into reading for YEARS. I would lose myself in books as a coping mechanism when I was younger. However, life happened and reading fell aside for my many responsibilities. Kids, work, bills, trying to make ends meet and I stopped reading in the process. I’ve probably read a total of 5 books in the last 10 years. Sad, I know.
When I started reading Something in the way I could not put it down. It also helped that I downloaded it on the Kindle app. When I upgraded my phone I refused to download any games and decided to swap my “game time” to read. And I could not have chosen a better series to dive back into reading. Having easy access allowed me to read at every stagnant moment I had.
Alright, on to the real reason I am here… Starting off, When starting the series, I was brought back to 16 when I had nothing figured out. Lakes innocence and her relationship with her sister, Tiffany, are what initially pulled me in. Now, I’m not saying my life was anything close to the story line. But the emotions it brought out of me were very familiar and real. There is a perfect combination of love, friendships, family (and the drama that comes with it), heartbreak, and fear! The fear that the story will not work out the way we all know it should! Let us not forget about the sex. There was just enough that it did not take away from the rest of the storyline.
I’m not going to get into specifics, but there was an instance where I almost lost my cool and cried. This book was so well written that the emotions coming from within were so strong. Don’t get me wrong, at times it did get frustrating because there are situations that SHOULD NOT have happened; however, there are situations almost identical in real life. Not everyone has it all figured out and certain people do need to grow to learn. Just because something is taboo does not mean it does not happen. I am not here to judge the book as a one size fits all and just because I enjoyed it does not mean you will. Needless to say, I loved this series and although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. I highly recommend so long as you are not the type to judge the characters flaws and choices.
August 12, 2025
A journey of Love
This isn’t just a love story.
It’s not your typical romance—it’s a journey. A sweeping saga that spans years, growth, heartbreak, and life-altering decisions. It's about the right person at the wrong time, over and over again.
How can two people be so right for each other, yet everything else always gets in the way? How can timing be so cruel when their connection is undeniable?
I'll admit, the first two books tested my patience. I’m not great with slow burns—I want the payoff now. But deep down, I knew the slow pacing was part of their story. This wasn’t supposed to be easy. This was forbidden love, after all. And the greatest loves? They demand the greatest fights.
Then came Move the Stars (Book 3), and everything changed. I was hooked. Manning consumed me. I couldn’t stop reading—and when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about them. Where was it heading? Could this finally be their time?
It was steamy, heart-wrenching, full of longing and hope—but the angst wasn’t over yet. Jessica Hawkins writes the kind of story that makes you want to throw the book across the room… and still crawl back for more. Because it hurts in the best way.
Manning Sutter. He’s everything. He’s protective, selfless, and utterly devoted to Lake—even when it tears him apart. Every choice he makes, even the painful ones, comes from love. In Book 3, we finally get glimpses of happiness… only for another bombshell to hit.
And yes, Tiffany. Lake’s sister will make you grit your teeth. She plays the villain well—but don't we all love to hate those characters?
By the final book, I fell even deeper in love with Jessica’s writing. Because while we do get the union we’ve been aching for, their journey is far from over. They face real-life struggles—loss, grief, and challenges so many of us quietly battle. Hawkins doesn’t shy away from those raw, difficult moments. Instead, she shows us how two people can lean on each other, adapt, and fight together.
This isn’t just a romance—it’s unforgettable. A true love story… but not the easy kind. The real kind.
This isn’t just a love story.
It’s not your typical romance—it’s a journey. A sweeping saga that spans years, growth, heartbreak, and life-altering decisions. It's about the right person at the wrong time, over and over again.
How can two people be so right for each other, yet everything else always gets in the way? How can timing be so cruel when their connection is undeniable?
I'll admit, the first two books tested my patience. I’m not great with slow burns—I want the payoff now. But deep down, I knew the slow pacing was part of their story. This wasn’t supposed to be easy. This was forbidden love, after all. And the greatest loves? They demand the greatest fights.
Then came Move the Stars (Book 3), and everything changed. I was hooked. Manning consumed me. I couldn’t stop reading—and when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about them. Where was it heading? Could this finally be their time?
It was steamy, heart-wrenching, full of longing and hope—but the angst wasn’t over yet. Jessica Hawkins writes the kind of story that makes you want to throw the book across the room… and still crawl back for more. Because it hurts in the best way.
Manning Sutter. He’s everything. He’s protective, selfless, and utterly devoted to Lake—even when it tears him apart. Every choice he makes, even the painful ones, comes from love. In Book 3, we finally get glimpses of happiness… only for another bombshell to hit.
And yes, Tiffany. Lake’s sister will make you grit your teeth. She plays the villain well—but don't we all love to hate those characters?
By the final book, I fell even deeper in love with Jessica’s writing. Because while we do get the union we’ve been aching for, their journey is far from over. They face real-life struggles—loss, grief, and challenges so many of us quietly battle. Hawkins doesn’t shy away from those raw, difficult moments. Instead, she shows us how two people can lean on each other, adapt, and fight together.
This isn’t just a romance—it’s unforgettable. A true love story… but not the easy kind. The real kind.
February 28, 2022
well written story but i hate the characters.
Ok this was ALOT. I’ve been meaning to read this book for months but i just couldn’t bring myself to.
Spoilers below.
How that i have… it dragged on in some parts. This books is VERY well written. The details, the explanations, etc. VERY WELL WRITTEN. however, it kept losing my attention with the over commitment to how each other felt about each other. How manning didn’t feel like he was good enough, how he felt like a predator, etc etc. a few monologues could have Been cut out. I kept stopping to watch tv because i would have DNF-d if i kept trying To read.
Characters are very well developed. However, I HATE MANNING & LAKE. manning for being selfish in his decisions. Once Lake’s dad mentioned expungement and a job he jumped…. Yeah he had a few reservations but he made that choice for him and not “to protect Lake”. Then he came back barging in, destroyed Lake and even after the dust settles never tried to mend that bridge. But yet he still managed to f*¢k other women while proclaiming to build a house for her. No. You’re either committed or you’re not. He made excuse after excuse. But has an “undying, I’ll move the stars for you” love. Nah. He’s selfish, ignorant, and a man wh0r3.
And Lake ………. Just pathetic. I admired her tenacity. Her hope. But she was still a naive 16 year old girl. Even AFTER everything manning did, she still saved herself, still pinned after him for A DECADE. After the lies, never coming first, never having the truth, the wedding, the pregnancy, the long wait. Those are no small feats. I would have respected her more if she TRIED to move on (honest to God tried) and realized it wasn’t gonna work out. Her surface level relationships did nothing to have me like her.
Ok this was ALOT. I’ve been meaning to read this book for months but i just couldn’t bring myself to.
Spoilers below.
How that i have… it dragged on in some parts. This books is VERY well written. The details, the explanations, etc. VERY WELL WRITTEN. however, it kept losing my attention with the over commitment to how each other felt about each other. How manning didn’t feel like he was good enough, how he felt like a predator, etc etc. a few monologues could have Been cut out. I kept stopping to watch tv because i would have DNF-d if i kept trying To read.
Characters are very well developed. However, I HATE MANNING & LAKE. manning for being selfish in his decisions. Once Lake’s dad mentioned expungement and a job he jumped…. Yeah he had a few reservations but he made that choice for him and not “to protect Lake”. Then he came back barging in, destroyed Lake and even after the dust settles never tried to mend that bridge. But yet he still managed to f*¢k other women while proclaiming to build a house for her. No. You’re either committed or you’re not. He made excuse after excuse. But has an “undying, I’ll move the stars for you” love. Nah. He’s selfish, ignorant, and a man wh0r3.
And Lake ………. Just pathetic. I admired her tenacity. Her hope. But she was still a naive 16 year old girl. Even AFTER everything manning did, she still saved herself, still pinned after him for A DECADE. After the lies, never coming first, never having the truth, the wedding, the pregnancy, the long wait. Those are no small feats. I would have respected her more if she TRIED to move on (honest to God tried) and realized it wasn’t gonna work out. Her surface level relationships did nothing to have me like her.
March 22, 2025
This review contains trigger warnings that may be considered spoilers so keep that in mind before you read.
There are four books in this collection. I am doing a clean out of my KU and Prime Reading. I found that I like to read the books most recently added, and some books sit at the bottom of the list for a LONG time. This one was added back in 2020. I'm not sure why I added it at the time, but I must have been interested so I decided to pull it up and get to it. I'm glad I had the complete collection because these are the type of books that are all about the same couple and it takes several books before they get together. That being said, I think this relationship could have been condensed into one book or two at the most. There is a lot of drawn-out angst which is not really my cup of tea. There is kind of a love triangle between two sisters and the male main character which is also something I don't love in books. There is not much for spice in the first two books, but it does get spicy in the last two. It is possible to skim past the spicy parts if that's not for you. There is cheating and there is miscarriage and infertility if those are triggers for you. The timeline of the books spans more than twenty years, so these characters really have to go through it before everything turns out ok for all involved. I'm not exactly sure how I made it through this because there were lots of things that I am not a fan of in romance. It may have been the writing, which I thought was engaging even though I didn't always agree with the choices the author made for the characters. This took me quite a few days to read because it is over 1000 pages, but I encourage readers who enjoy this type of angsty romance to give it a shot. You will probably enjoy it more than I did.
There are four books in this collection. I am doing a clean out of my KU and Prime Reading. I found that I like to read the books most recently added, and some books sit at the bottom of the list for a LONG time. This one was added back in 2020. I'm not sure why I added it at the time, but I must have been interested so I decided to pull it up and get to it. I'm glad I had the complete collection because these are the type of books that are all about the same couple and it takes several books before they get together. That being said, I think this relationship could have been condensed into one book or two at the most. There is a lot of drawn-out angst which is not really my cup of tea. There is kind of a love triangle between two sisters and the male main character which is also something I don't love in books. There is not much for spice in the first two books, but it does get spicy in the last two. It is possible to skim past the spicy parts if that's not for you. There is cheating and there is miscarriage and infertility if those are triggers for you. The timeline of the books spans more than twenty years, so these characters really have to go through it before everything turns out ok for all involved. I'm not exactly sure how I made it through this because there were lots of things that I am not a fan of in romance. It may have been the writing, which I thought was engaging even though I didn't always agree with the choices the author made for the characters. This took me quite a few days to read because it is over 1000 pages, but I encourage readers who enjoy this type of angsty romance to give it a shot. You will probably enjoy it more than I did.
April 26, 2021
Devastatingly beautiful!!
Brilliant writing!
Reading this series is a box set is an easy peasy way of getting absorbed in this highly emotional angsty series.
Sisters Lake and Tiffany fall for the same guy Manning. One sister is convinced this is real love, the other sister sees him as her next conquest.
Manning has his own ideas as to who he wants and what he has to do.
But what consequences will that decision bring?
Finding out, is what literally had me holding my breath while reading this beauty!
Be careful what you wish for! Sometimes getting what you want comes at a price!
Are you willing to pay?
The questions... the answers...
The revelations...
Manning... what are you doing?!
Tiffany... I don't believe you!!
Lake... just wow!
Emotional intense and heartfelt. These characters continue to grow and develop and honestly I can read about them forever!
They each revealed their feelings and struggles in a way that had me bawling!! Even the secondary characters held their own and added a different level on intensity.
The struggles these three characters endure as they come to terms with their new reality makes a truly epic read.
Each character was so well developed and their emotions so real, I felt like I was free falling from from a roller coaster.
Get the tissues ready, and prepare yourself for the heartfelt angst, the passion and the sentimental journey of this triangulated situation.
Brilliant writing!
Reading this series is a box set is an easy peasy way of getting absorbed in this highly emotional angsty series.
Sisters Lake and Tiffany fall for the same guy Manning. One sister is convinced this is real love, the other sister sees him as her next conquest.
Manning has his own ideas as to who he wants and what he has to do.
But what consequences will that decision bring?
Finding out, is what literally had me holding my breath while reading this beauty!
Be careful what you wish for! Sometimes getting what you want comes at a price!
Are you willing to pay?
The questions... the answers...
The revelations...
Manning... what are you doing?!
Tiffany... I don't believe you!!
Lake... just wow!
Emotional intense and heartfelt. These characters continue to grow and develop and honestly I can read about them forever!
They each revealed their feelings and struggles in a way that had me bawling!! Even the secondary characters held their own and added a different level on intensity.
The struggles these three characters endure as they come to terms with their new reality makes a truly epic read.
Each character was so well developed and their emotions so real, I felt like I was free falling from from a roller coaster.
Get the tissues ready, and prepare yourself for the heartfelt angst, the passion and the sentimental journey of this triangulated situation.
February 22, 2020
Wow, Wow, Wow!!! What an amazing end to an amazing series! This series follows Lake and Manning for many years. Lake is just 16 years old when she meets Manning who is 23. It's a long winding road for them but this series is literally AMAZING. The ANGST is off the charts though in each and every book in the series (4 total). You will experience every single emotion with this series! I would get so mad I would start to cry, mad enough to almost stop but yet I couldn't because I had to know how to ended, happy at times, back to sad and crying and just all over the board. At one point in the 4th book, I was so mad and crying that if the story kept going the way it was, I knew I was going to have a broken heart even with them together. I mean I couldn't have stopped reading no matter what but good Lord let them have some happiest already. I devoured these 4 books in 4 days. I didn't want to stop for work or sleep but life intrudes. This whole series is just off the charts ANGST so if you do not like that do not start this series. I absolutely loved this whole series. They are amazing and so worth it but your heart will experience very single emotion with this series.
December 23, 2020
Wow
Where do I even begin with this series. I read it as one book which I’ve never done before but damn if you had to wait for the next part when it originally came out I feel for you. Those cliffys man. Both Lake and Manning had a rough go of it, I can relate to Lake with the overbearing parents, they do it out of love but damn do you feel the pressure. And Manning, Great Bear. Heart of gold. I enjoyed this series as it’s realistic in the way that true love isn’t always enough (there is a HEA so don’t be put off) but it shows that timing is a bitch all throughout life. You have could have beens and should have beens but unless the timing works they are left in the what if category. The heartache throughout this is felt, I literally felt it in my chest and I always love the book when they can pull that kind of emotion from me. But damn what a series. And the children problems, damn they need to be talked about more, goddamn it’s hard to read but damn the love that can come out of a horrible situation is impeccable. Did not disappoint one bit.
Where do I even begin with this series. I read it as one book which I’ve never done before but damn if you had to wait for the next part when it originally came out I feel for you. Those cliffys man. Both Lake and Manning had a rough go of it, I can relate to Lake with the overbearing parents, they do it out of love but damn do you feel the pressure. And Manning, Great Bear. Heart of gold. I enjoyed this series as it’s realistic in the way that true love isn’t always enough (there is a HEA so don’t be put off) but it shows that timing is a bitch all throughout life. You have could have beens and should have beens but unless the timing works they are left in the what if category. The heartache throughout this is felt, I literally felt it in my chest and I always love the book when they can pull that kind of emotion from me. But damn what a series. And the children problems, damn they need to be talked about more, goddamn it’s hard to read but damn the love that can come out of a horrible situation is impeccable. Did not disappoint one bit.
August 18, 2021
Great series!
Wow. Compelling story from beginning to end. So much angst. I like that this spanned 25 years so you “lived” the experience with them. Was lucky to be able to read the books one right after the other because I would not have known what to do if I would have had to wait in between..
First time reading anything from this author but will read again for sure.
Alert: Mini spoilers ahead :
- family disfunction for the h: spoiled sister and detached unbending dad. I felt the sister’s behavior was excused too readily...by everyone including the H.
- too naive h: while the h was 16 in the mid 90’s, I found her to be too naive and clueless.
- While we know the backstory somewhat, the bottom line is that the H and h reconnect - literally and biblically when he is still married.
- Loved some of the side characters, such as Corbin and Val and thought their getting together was kinda shortchanged..
Wow. Compelling story from beginning to end. So much angst. I like that this spanned 25 years so you “lived” the experience with them. Was lucky to be able to read the books one right after the other because I would not have known what to do if I would have had to wait in between..
First time reading anything from this author but will read again for sure.
Alert: Mini spoilers ahead :
- family disfunction for the h: spoiled sister and detached unbending dad. I felt the sister’s behavior was excused too readily...by everyone including the H.
- too naive h: while the h was 16 in the mid 90’s, I found her to be too naive and clueless.
- While we know the backstory somewhat, the bottom line is that the H and h reconnect - literally and biblically when he is still married.
- Loved some of the side characters, such as Corbin and Val and thought their getting together was kinda shortchanged..
June 20, 2020
“I had one option left. Tilt the universe until she fell into my arms.”
Jessica Hawkins is magnificent.
When I'm at home or on holidays and I need something to read, I tend to find myself not finding something new, but returning back to books I love. This series is always at the top of my list.
I felt lucky to have read this series after the full collection was complete, because frankly I don't know how I would have waited each time.
Lake and Manning's story was breathtaking. It's the kind of romance that reminds you of your hard core Twilight Stephanie Myers obsession back in the day.
It's starry nights, whispered words and a love that you know can only belong on paper because it's far to precious for anywhere else.
It's the kind of love story that you will read over and over again because reading a work of art like this only once, will never be enough.
Jessica Hawkins is magnificent.
When I'm at home or on holidays and I need something to read, I tend to find myself not finding something new, but returning back to books I love. This series is always at the top of my list.
I felt lucky to have read this series after the full collection was complete, because frankly I don't know how I would have waited each time.
Lake and Manning's story was breathtaking. It's the kind of romance that reminds you of your hard core Twilight Stephanie Myers obsession back in the day.
It's starry nights, whispered words and a love that you know can only belong on paper because it's far to precious for anywhere else.
It's the kind of love story that you will read over and over again because reading a work of art like this only once, will never be enough.
November 30, 2021
Intense
I read this saga over the course of a month. I wanted to vomit multiple times. The author masterfully created a series of situations where every choice had vast and long lasting consequences, in every direction. And in the reasonably contemporary environment, those choices, and consequences, felt achingly real.
Every character and dynamic was thoroughly fleshed out to influence them. Family dynamics and expectations, past trauma and abuse, finances, location, distance, education, legal trouble....
Other fiction commonly has a character make a bold move and it turns out fine. The disconnect with real life is in those tiny details.
I love that the story wasn't a snapshot of one perfect moment but their continued fight to be a good human and to be together. How they dealt with each new challenge.
I'm scarred. And hungry for more. Better buy more tissues.
I read this saga over the course of a month. I wanted to vomit multiple times. The author masterfully created a series of situations where every choice had vast and long lasting consequences, in every direction. And in the reasonably contemporary environment, those choices, and consequences, felt achingly real.
Every character and dynamic was thoroughly fleshed out to influence them. Family dynamics and expectations, past trauma and abuse, finances, location, distance, education, legal trouble....
Other fiction commonly has a character make a bold move and it turns out fine. The disconnect with real life is in those tiny details.
I love that the story wasn't a snapshot of one perfect moment but their continued fight to be a good human and to be together. How they dealt with each new challenge.
I'm scarred. And hungry for more. Better buy more tissues.
May 21, 2020
Hardest review
So I absolutely loved this saga. I read every chance I could for a week until all 4 books were demolished. I loved the synopsis, angst, characters, almost everything. Hence only 4 stars. The one thing it lacked was editing. I normally can overlook editing issues but when you read a saga of 4 books, you just can’t. This really could’ve been told in 3 books. There was a lot of unnecessary stories, yet others that could’ve been detailed more. There was a whole chunk of time between book 2 and 3 where the main character went through a major personality change and none of it was covered. Etc., etc., etc. But the story was really that good that I would have easily given in 5 stars. It just needed some structuring.
So I absolutely loved this saga. I read every chance I could for a week until all 4 books were demolished. I loved the synopsis, angst, characters, almost everything. Hence only 4 stars. The one thing it lacked was editing. I normally can overlook editing issues but when you read a saga of 4 books, you just can’t. This really could’ve been told in 3 books. There was a lot of unnecessary stories, yet others that could’ve been detailed more. There was a whole chunk of time between book 2 and 3 where the main character went through a major personality change and none of it was covered. Etc., etc., etc. But the story was really that good that I would have easily given in 5 stars. It just needed some structuring.
August 29, 2020
Slow burn, angsty, absolute 5 star age gap romance!
I had never read any of Jessica Hawkins's novels, but I read any age gap (older male, younger female) that I find. I don't remember how I found Something in the Way, but I'm extremely happy that I did. I absolutely loved this modern saga. Saga it is as it takes our h from 16 years old to 41y/o. This is a slow burn romance that puts our characters through many hardships as they try to come together slowly building a life and a love to last.
I highly recommend this complete box set as it has all the novels and makes it easy for the reader to journey along with Lake and Manning and Lake's sister, parents, and friends as our sweethearts finally come to a well deserved HEA!
I had never read any of Jessica Hawkins's novels, but I read any age gap (older male, younger female) that I find. I don't remember how I found Something in the Way, but I'm extremely happy that I did. I absolutely loved this modern saga. Saga it is as it takes our h from 16 years old to 41y/o. This is a slow burn romance that puts our characters through many hardships as they try to come together slowly building a life and a love to last.
I highly recommend this complete box set as it has all the novels and makes it easy for the reader to journey along with Lake and Manning and Lake's sister, parents, and friends as our sweethearts finally come to a well deserved HEA!
October 18, 2020
I enjoyed the series but I didn't love it. I felt that Manning should have made more effort or grand gestures. There were so many wasted years apart. Lake changed before our eyes. From being daddy's girl and doing everything to please him to cutting him off completely and surviving on her own. I feel like Tiffany should have had some hard years to grow up on her own. Always wanting all the attention and I felt like the only reason she was interested in Manning was to take something away from Lake. However Manning should have stood up to her and lived the life he wanted and if he felt Lake needed to grow up then he should have taken the time to be alone then, not cheat on his wife with her sister then never see or speak to Lake again for years. I just wasn't feeling it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2020
I selected this because I haven't read Lake + Manning ...
And now that I have...I can give this series an overall 3.5 stars.
It's written well enough that I finished it. The characters are complex enough to be compelling but so dramatic and over the top to the point where they're infuriating.
It also starts to lean a little heavily into the whole idealistic breeding fantasy and looking for validation from random people that don't deserve another chance- but I know I'm in the minority here.
Everyone that loves thing tied up in a little bow for them will love this- the rest of us that collectively roll their eyes at...everything else will continue to do just that after reading this.
And now that I have...I can give this series an overall 3.5 stars.
It's written well enough that I finished it. The characters are complex enough to be compelling but so dramatic and over the top to the point where they're infuriating.
It also starts to lean a little heavily into the whole idealistic breeding fantasy and looking for validation from random people that don't deserve another chance- but I know I'm in the minority here.
Everyone that loves thing tied up in a little bow for them will love this- the rest of us that collectively roll their eyes at...everything else will continue to do just that after reading this.
December 30, 2020
WOW
Have you ever felt your heart breaking reading a book? This book was not only well written but just insanely a great story. It was very hard for me to get through this book because my own past heartbreak but i just could not put it down. I mean i couldn't sleep i just had to keep reading to see what happens next. All I can say is you must read this book. I don't allow myself to spent to much money on ebooks but this one is so worth it. I will be reading it again in years to come. Also let me say I'm a stickler for grammar mistakes and it annoys me to find simple ones that really should never happen, but I found nothing in this whole life story. Its a great book you really should give it a read but i will warn you, you will cry, laugh, get angry and love this book.
Have you ever felt your heart breaking reading a book? This book was not only well written but just insanely a great story. It was very hard for me to get through this book because my own past heartbreak but i just could not put it down. I mean i couldn't sleep i just had to keep reading to see what happens next. All I can say is you must read this book. I don't allow myself to spent to much money on ebooks but this one is so worth it. I will be reading it again in years to come. Also let me say I'm a stickler for grammar mistakes and it annoys me to find simple ones that really should never happen, but I found nothing in this whole life story. Its a great book you really should give it a read but i will warn you, you will cry, laugh, get angry and love this book.
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May 28, 2021overall series rating: ★★★☆☆ [3/5]
i found this series on amazon a couple years ago, i ended up forgetting the author and title yet i remembered the plot and summary. recently, i rediscovered these books and finally read it.
let me just tell you that this series caused a whirlwind of emotions for me, and made me feel rlly conflicted.
idk how to convey all my thoughts on these books. but all i have to say is: (1) i have a love-hate relationship with manning, and (2) the character development that i was looking forward to was underwhelming.
in the end this is prolly a 'you either hate it or love it' type of series.
i found this series on amazon a couple years ago, i ended up forgetting the author and title yet i remembered the plot and summary. recently, i rediscovered these books and finally read it.
let me just tell you that this series caused a whirlwind of emotions for me, and made me feel rlly conflicted.
idk how to convey all my thoughts on these books. but all i have to say is: (1) i have a love-hate relationship with manning, and (2) the character development that i was looking forward to was underwhelming.
in the end this is prolly a 'you either hate it or love it' type of series.
January 5, 2023
It took a lot to get through
The immaturity, the stubbornness, the pettiness and the characters truly acting their young ages made the first three books extremely hard to read. Tiffany was a brat. Lake was annoying and acted like a two year old from 16-26yrs old. Their parents were just enablers. Finally Manning was exhausting and emotionally confused. Its was really challenging book to read through without getting frustrated at the repetitive immaturity from everyone. But the last two chapters of the last book was good. Its not a bad read if you don't mind people claiming to be adults act like children.
The immaturity, the stubbornness, the pettiness and the characters truly acting their young ages made the first three books extremely hard to read. Tiffany was a brat. Lake was annoying and acted like a two year old from 16-26yrs old. Their parents were just enablers. Finally Manning was exhausting and emotionally confused. Its was really challenging book to read through without getting frustrated at the repetitive immaturity from everyone. But the last two chapters of the last book was good. Its not a bad read if you don't mind people claiming to be adults act like children.
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