Book Review: In His Eyes by Ella Justice

Arielle Hansen once fled her life, and unexpectedly, she’s back, confronting a past she thought she left behind. Her childhood friend Nathaniel Rentz, the only boy she ever truly cared for, is now a man who never forgot her. As they reunite, old feelings resurface, proving their childhood bond was only the start. Will Arielle run again, or has she found something worth sticking around for?

So, I managed to snag a copy of In His Eyes by Ella Justice because I got an ARC. It sounded like such a cute contemporary romance, and since it’s Ella’s debut book, I was really excited to dive in!

Ended up reading it as an ebook and let me tell you, I stayed up way past my bedtime just to finish it!

Review of the book: In His Eyes by Ella Justice

Plot

Right from the get-go, this book had me hooked! The plot wasn’t just good, it was gripping. And then there’s Arielle, or “Ari”, our main character with a secret – a big one. And boy, does it add a layer of intrigue to the whole story.

You see, it’s not just about the secret itself, it’s how it’s entwined with the plot, subtly hinted at in each scene that makes you want to keep turning the page. And each of those scenes? Absolutely necessary.

They’re not just there for suspense or to fill the pages. They’re part of Ari’s journey, helping her grow, helping her become the person she is by the end of the book.

It’s not just a story, it’s a journey, a transformation, and it’s absolutely brilliant!

I did. I loved the stars. And I really liked the boy who’d showed them to me.

In His Eyes by Ella Justice

Setting

I cannot tell you how much I loved the setting of this book! There’s something undeniably soothing about the ocean, and having the whole story unfold around a beach house – oh, it was like a mini-vacation in my head.

And can we talk about Pedro’s Tacos for a second? I’ve never craved tacos so much in my life. The secret sauce is now on my food bucket list.

It’s not just the beach or the food though, it’s the crafty use of the ocean as a symbol for healing that really stuck with me.

Ari’s journey and her past experiences, interwoven with the ebb and flow of the sea – it was a beautifully poignant touch.

The book’s not just a fine piece of writing; it’s an experience, an emotional journey.

“Thank you for helping me remember,” I whispered, staring into the ocean as we turned together. He just nodded before speaking, his voice barely above a whisper. “Ari, it’s always been us.” “I know.”

In his eyes by ella justice

Characters

The characters that really stole the show here for me. Ari and Nate’s friends to lovers relationship was pure gold. It unfolded at just the right pace, not too rushed, not too drawn-out.

And, okay, I admit it, I’m a sucker for cheesy romance lines, and this book delivered.

Picture Nate, our lovable cinnamon roll MC, delivering these lines – it’s just perfectly him, you know?

And don’t even get me started on the side characters! Nate and Ari’s moms, Sarah and Jess? Wonderful.

They may not be the main focus, but they’re as well-rounded and vibrant as any other character.

And Nate’s group of friends?

They added a whole new layer to the story, making the world of this book feel real and full. Trust me, if you’re into character-driven stories with a sprinkle of cheesy romance and a fantastic supporting cast, you’ve gotta check this book out.

But that’s the beauty of life. Just because you carry scars with you doesn’t mean you’re worth any less. When you start to see your brokenness as a part of you, that’s when you can truly live. And when you learn to love that brokenness, that’s when you can give that piece of life inside you to someone else.

Themes

This book spoke to me on so many levels. Its core message is a journey of self-discovery, a quest to find out who you truly are deep down – an age-old theme, but one that resonates strongly with me.

We all have that one period in our life where we’re trying to figure out our place in the world, don’t we?

What hit home for me though, was the theme of trauma and scars. The book was unflinching in its assertion that these experiences, far from reducing our value, actually enrich us. It’s like the book was saying, “Hey, it’s okay to be broken. You’re still worthy of love.”

And that’s a powerful message. It reminded me that love doesn’t demand perfection. We can be loved in all our imperfect, damaged glory. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Tropes

This book totally warmed my heart, truly a gem due to a few reasons:

• The childhood friends to lovers trope was handled so well. There’s nothing like seeing two old friends realize they’re perfect for each other. It’s a trip down memory lane, and the characters’ shared history adds layers of richness and depth to their relationship. I mean, who doesn’t love the nostalgia?
• Our main man is a cinnamon roll surfer boy. Honestly, who can resist that? He’s sweet, caring, and just wholesome. Plus, the surfing part adds a dash of adventure and excitement to the story.
• The plot centered around reconnecting and learning to trust, which hits close to home. It’s a summer romance, so it’s all about rekindling old feelings, learning to trust again, and surrendering to love. The whole narrative is just so sweet and clean, it leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy.

Here are my thoughts on the book:

First off, let me just say – I was absolutely charmed by this book. In His Eyes by Ella Justice had me hooked from the first chapter. The beach setting was so vividly described, I could almost feel the sand between my toes, hear the waves crashing on the shore.

The plot was fast-paced, keeping me on my toes and flipping pages faster than I thought possible.

But the real magic of the book lay in its characters. They were so well fleshed out, so real, I felt like I knew them personally. The romance between them was just… chef’s kiss. It was the kind of sweet, wholesome love that makes you squeal with delight (yes, I did squeal – no shame, totally worth it).

It’s clear that Ella Justice knows how to write. But more than that, her work leaves you eagerly waiting for more. I mean, I’m already excited for her next book, and I bet you will be too.

Trust me, this is one book you don’t want to miss out on. Read all the reviews on Amazon!

About the author

Ella Justice, a Tennessee native with a heart for love stories, is balancing university life in Utah with her love for writing. She’s a family-girl, nature-lover, and a hopeless romantic, often found curled up with a captivating romance novel during a rainstorm. Off-duty, she’s either absorbed in her studies, on shift as a labor and delivery tech, or cheering on her favorite hockey team. Immensely grateful for the chance to share the tales spinning in her mind, Ella sends her heartfelt thanks to anyone giving her books a try!

Make sure to give her a follow on Instagram to stay updated on her author journey!