Did I Mention I Miss You? by Estelle Maskame

4 Stars

Book Rating: PG-13

Action: G

Language: PG-13 (There's a good dose of language. Couple F-bombs. Nothing over the top).

Drugs/Alcohol Use: PG (Mentions of drinking underage. Tyler is a recovering addict).

Sex: PG-13 (A couple instances of sexual interactions. I mean, Tyler gets to second base, ya'll, and you know it).

*Trigger Warning: This books series deals with physical child abuse

This book series was what got me out of my book depression last year. I found the first one on BookBub for $0.99. I was immediately drawn to it because 1. That cover is magical and I love it and 2. The main character falls for her step-brother and I'm a serious sucker for a forbidden romance. 

Because this is the last book in the series, I'll mainly be focusing on this book, but since I didn't review the other two, I'll just say this: These books are everything I expected them to be. They were engaging, the characters were likable, and they had to deal with real family problems and judgmental friends, though I do think their family probably overreacted because who can blame them? They're both attractive individuals who met when they were 16 and 17 and were expected to suddenly act like siblings? They're not even related mom and dad. Give them a break.

Did I Mention I Miss You? is the third book in Estelle Maksame's DIMILY trilogy. Eden and Tyler have been separated for a year. She's been away at college and Tyler's been who knows where. Eden's dad and her younger step-brother Jaime hate her. People whisper behind her back about being the girl who dated her step-brother and she's feeling super salty towards Tyler who just kind of abandoned her, but those feelings suddenly come back when Tyler reappears.

First thing's first, let's discuss plot. 

CAN YOU SAY ANGST? The entire beginning was filled with angst. Eden was emotional. Jaime hated her. Her dad hated her. Her friends tried to understand (BUT NO ONE REALLY UNDERSTANDS!) Then, Tyler shows up. *Angst Intensifies* The entire plot was fast moving and I sped through it even with a day thrown in when I couldn't read. This entire series I couldn't put down. I've been waiting since June for this third book to come out and was upset when I couldn't get around to reading it until two months after it was released. 

The characters, oh, THE CHARACTERS. Every single one of them has been likable at some point. Every single one of the teenagers I can see in people from high school. I love the friendship that has been built between Rachael and Eden. It's one that I wasn't too sure of at the beginning but has grown on me over time. Rachael is the only one who has stuck by Eden as an unwavering friend and I have to admire her for that. Then, we have Tyler. He started out as a jerk face with pretty eyes and a strong jawline, but now I love him. I will defend Tyler until my last breath, okay? The characters are probably one of my favorite aspects of the entire series. They were believable and I feel like so many novels nowadays make their characters seem like people out of a different world. The character and the relationships are what really convinced me to love these novels.

Speaking of relationships: Tyler and Eden. Maskame is a master at creating palpable sexual tension. Every single time Tyler and Eden are in the same room they just exude this magnetism towards each other that's totally enrapturing. I love their relationship. I love that it's a forbidden romance because those are the best. Every time they talk to each other I just want that conversation to keep going. They bounce off of each other like nobody's business and have this undeniable chemistry. The kind of chemistry that makes me ship book couples in the first place. Will and Tessa anyone? 

The only reason I gave this book four stars is because I felt like Eden went from hating Tyler to traveling to Portland with him way too fast. She hated the guy for leaving her and then two days later she forgives him and is off on some crazy road trip. It's just a little unbelievable, I guess? Also the fact that everything was forgiven in just one conversation, but I guess they had time to internalize everything. 

All in all, this series is terrific, especially if you're stuck in a rut where you're unable to start anything else. These books will invigorate you to pick up any book. Happy reading!