En bref, j'ai adoré apprendre à connaitre Allie et Hudson, je suis tombée amoureuse de leur histoire et de leurs sentiments et j'ai aimé les voir se rapprocher après des années sans s'être vus et surtout avec le poids des secrets qui pèse sur leurs épaules. Ils sont tous les deux touchants, ils ont su me faire vibrer avec eux et si parfois c'est un peu un enchainement de catastrophe, il n'empêche qu'ils aussi aussi su me faire sourire. Les événements ne nous laissent pas souffler, j'étais curieuse de connaitre les tenants et les aboutissants et je me suis laissée surprendre par certaines choses. Une très belle lecture qui a su me faire à la fois sourire et pleurer.

I’ve been reading Rebecca yarros’ contemporary romances since the very first release years ago. I enjoy her writing and characters and stories. Variation is what I have come to expect from her CR writing. I really liked the characters in this book. Overall the story kept me engaged and entertained. Some of the family drama was a little much for me which pulled it down a star, but overall I still loved it, would still recommend it and will reread it at some point I’m sure. Yarros does a great job with building worlds that pull you in to her stories. Great family and friend connections in this one characters that you feel like you’re experiencing their lives with them.

Long before there were dragons, Venin and war there were stories of fly boys and helicopters, all the stories that brought me to Rebecca and her amazing storytelling. It was refreshing to read another contemporary romance from her because this was where my love for her writing started.

Hudson is a rescue swimmer saving lives and helping his sister raise his niece. Allie is a prima ballerina born into ballerina royalty mending an injury. These two were friends once, mistakes were made but their connection was never lost. These two are combustible and could ignite a fire with the looks and tension they shared.

I loved everything about this story from beginning to end. Every page was filled with an engaging story that had me continuing to turn each page in awe. There’s angst, plot twists, romance and a love story spanning eleven years.

You will fall in love with Allie and Hudson and Rebecca’s storytelling.

Exceptional!

There aren’t enough adjectives to properly describe this gorgeous story.

This author is a master wordsmith who never disappoints giving us unique, highly inventive stories that have me thinking about the characters after I finish reading it.

Hudson and Allie’s story starts with their unconventional meeting as teenagers.
Told in dual POV past and present, their story is unlike any other I’ve ever read! A deep friendship developed hiding other feelings because of family expectations and societal roles.

Brutally raw, deeply emotional and thought provoking, this story captivated me from beginning to end as the author flawlessly layed out all the upheavals in their friendship. A moment in time shattered their friendship and they lost contact.

Fast forward 11 years and a precocious adorable 10 year old steals the spot light from the main characters when she makes a request of them they never imagined.

These characters were so well developed and their story unfolded seamlessly. They truly came to life and I cried along with them. Hudson was simply amazing. He at times seemed too good to be true but as the story unfolded we learn he was a broken man holding a huge secret that may change everything in his new friendship with Allie. Allie was always I initially hard to like but she had her own secrets, and tortured past making easier for me to understand her.

This was a heart wrenching story of family secrets, missed opportunities and unmet expectations.

Can you forgive and find redemption when certain secrets exist?
That question is put to the test and exceptionally explored.

I can tell you that my heart was shattered and then flawlessly put back together at the end of the story.

5 easy stars and really worthy of 5 more!

Absolutely loved it!! Great storyline. Engaging plot and the characters were all likable. And the spicy scenes were HOT. This is a fantastic novel

Rating 3.5/5 stars

Main tropes: Second chance, Fake dating, Friends to enemies to lovers, He falls first, It's always been you/the one that got away, Family focus

Secondary tropes: Military hero (Coast guard rescue swimmer), Small town, Class divide, Possessive MCs

Micro-tropes: Hero with dimples, Backwards baseball cap, Spicy mirror scene, Only one bed

Triggers: There are some potential triggers featured in this plot, if you need to then please research them prior to starting this.

‘Variation’ is Yarros’ next contemporary romance and the second chance Hudson and Allie get at being together does not disappoint.

Allie was a character who was accurately described in the book when Hudson said she was “self-centered yet selfless for her sisters, spoiled yet kind, driven yet reluctant, an open book of emotion on the stage and an impossible puzzle when off it”. She was the kind of character where it took a little while for her to grow on me but by the end of the book I was as invested in her and her dreams for the future as I was in the rest of the book and came to appreciate her protective, sensitive, and sentimental sides. Hudson was protective, observant, and very intune with his emotions. The kind of character who you could very easily become attached to and invested in. I loved how he interacted with his family and with Allie. I was invested in him and his desire for the future that he had dreamed for himself and in the moments where he let go of his tendency to be mindful of how others could react and fully let his emotions and thoughts be exposed, I couldn’t help but admire him for it.

Both Hudson and Allie were imperfect, unkempt and chaotic and in their hearts true dreamers. They had a complicated history of something that almost was before they left one another's lives and the memories ruined the possibility of there ever being anything with anyone else. In the current day events of the book they were reunited and dating under false pretences with multiple personal and shared secrets between them. It made already complicated feelings into an awkward situation but the rightfulness of them shone through and Hudson refused to lose Allie again, even if they still didn’t fit into one another’s worlds. I love the fake dating trope but when it is between two people who have a history there is something extra about it that makes it better and in the case of Hudson and Allie it was because they already knew this was the one person with whom they could be their true selves and put down their carefully constructed defences. I couldn’t get enough of the tension building and ‘Will they? Won’t they?’ elements of their romance and like Hudson I was desperate for Allie to realise that this time round things could work out especially when they had both spent years hoping the other would walk back into their lives.

I enjoyed getting to read a new contemporary romance from Yarros and at times whilst reading ‘Variation’ it felt similar to books from Yarros’ ‘Flight and Glory Series’ with the scenes depicting Hudson’s military career and the times when his career had a bigger impact on the narrative but the military theme was not as prominent in ‘Variation’. Hudson's military career and some other secondary storylines took a backseat to the second chance romance and the rightfulness of Hudson and Allie together which to me gave it the same feel as some other books by Yarros such as herLegacy series and a few of her standalones. The military theme was an enjoyable element of the book but knowing how well Yarros writes military romance I would have liked further development of it especially when you look at how much narrative focus was given to Allie and her ballet career. The secondary storylines were just as interesting as the romance development and tied the whole book together as it continued to provide a balance of sweet, funny, and heart wrenching moments which made this book as enjoyable as it was.

Variation had a very diverse cast when it came to the secondary characters and their likeability. There were ones who you couldn't help but like such as Juniper who was a quick witted and sneaky individual and I never knew what she was going to do next which kept her interesting. The rest of Hudson's family were also likeable and I would happily read books about Hunter's siblings. Allie's family were a mixed bunch, one member was likeable and I'd be interested in finding out more about her but the rest, rightfully so, we're not favourites of mine. All the main secondary characters were well written and developed and there is certainly potential for this to become more than a standalone. My only criticism of the secondary characters is when it came to the less important ones there were a few scenes where it became a jumble of names and for one scene in particular, which was an important one, I did have to go back and read the run up to it again just to get my bearings.

Overall ‘Variation’ was an enjoyable romance which in the end I was unable to put down. I was invested in Hudson and Allie and I'm so glad to have got to read this as an ARC, and I look forward to release day so everyone else can experience it too.

Favourite Quote:
“Messy is good, love. Messy is where the best parts of life happen. You don't have to be in control at all times. It's okay if you fall apart. I promise I will be right here to put you back together if you just let me."

**3.75 Stars**

Variation is a second chance romance between a Coast Guard rescue swimmer and a professional dancer who reconnect after years apart. There are a whole host of secrets and complications between Hudson and Allie, but I enjoyed immersing myself in their story and found myself rooting for them from the start. Both were hugely committed to their careers and their families, which was part of those complications. I think Juniper, Hudson's niece was one of the highlights of the book. She was tenacious and everyone around her loved her so much. This story was definitely not lacking in drama, and while I think it can add to stories at times, I found some of the drama/plot twists to not really enhance the overall book. I am a huge fan of this authors work. She can write some very intense romances that are all consuming, and while I did overall enjoy Variation, I did feel like it didn't have the same level of oomph I have gotten used to with this author's work. I loved that the main character was a rescue swimmer as I have not read another book with that occupation. The cover is absolutely gorgeous and I would still encourage others to give it a read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I'm a pre- Empyrean series Rebecca Yarros fan and can't describe how delighted I am that she is continuing with her work in the contemporary romance arena.

OG fans know her personal experience as a milspouse and how it features in her writing...Variation is no different.

As a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hudson Ellis has returned to serve his home town and ultimately, his family.

As a young man, focused on his goals, his 'need' to rescue Allie and her younger sister was already in his blood and was the start of something life changing, for them both.

Variation is a friends to enemies to lovers and unrequited second chance romance with a whole lot of secrets, lies and the solution to an unknown mystery.

In typical fashion for this author, your heart will be bruised and battered as this amazing story unfolds.

Personally I felt every hour of agony that this athlete (as dancers should surely be viewed as such) went through to regain her fitness and her ability to perform some of the most amazingly described choreography.

Additionally, the characters are so well written that readers will actively hate some, revere others and will want to physically harm one or two, they will be so absorbed by the story as it unfolds.

Allie and Hudson's HEA is hard fought but so much more beautiful because of the time and adversity faced to get them there!

Another amazing addition to Rebecca Yarros' ever extending catalogue.

I wish I could give it more than 5 stars .

This was hands down one of the most heart shattering love stories I have read this year .

Hudson is a Hottie hot coast guard rescue swimmer, and Allie is an elite ballerina, and they have been through it all together and apart .

Rebecca Yarros, you create magic within your books . I'm still sobbing. Wow . It is filled with second chance romance, tragedy , family ties, fake dating, you name it it's in there and your heart will be shattered but also feel so full it might burst.


I'm blown away

I was given an ARC copy in advance to give an honest review.. Variation release date is November 19th, and I can't wait to add this beautiful book to my shelf .

Rebecca Yarros gives readers “Every emotion, every time” and “Variation” gives nothing less than swoon worthy perfection! This book had me gasping, tearing up, guffawing, and I may or may not have thrown my book in surprise. It is a heartbreaking, yet heartwarming, tale of two soulmates who have to fight with everything they have to be together – for a second chance at love.

As a teenager, Hudson Ellis saved Allie Rosseau and her sister Eva from certain death when their boat capsized at sea. It was in that movement that started it all for Hudson and Allie, as they quickly became secret best friends with the potential for so much more. Yet it wasn’t their time, and tragic events tear them apart and it takes their worlds nearly ending, again, to bring them back together. Fast forward a decade and all love has been lost… or so we are to believe because Hudson and Allie never got over their first loves. Watching them come together was a nail-biting experience! I was constantly on the edge of my seat in anticipation for the moment the two could finally make it work because the will they/won’t they was driving me crazy in the best way possible.

The romance between Allie & Hudson is a beautiful amalgamation of love, hate, forgiveness, and trust. This duo has to overcome obstacles being thrown at them from every angle, but somehow, they power through. At its core, “Variation” is a story about love, regrets, recovery, courage, and strength (both physical and emotional). Hudson has to overcome the consequences of his unforgivable past actions and find the courage to fight for love. To fight for the woman that he has always loved. Allie has to find the courage to believe in second chances and to trust again. She also has to find the course to disregard familial and societal pressures to know what will serve her best. Both Hudson and Allie struggle to navigate how to prioritize themselves along with their wants and needs. Only when they do are they able to be enough for each other. Not only does Hudson and Allie stories immediately draw you in but it also makes them incredibly relatable characters despite their bigger than life careers. As I watched them navigate their hardships, it became obvious that all readers could learn a thing or two from them outside of their romantic woes. They showed me that love isn’t just about the lovey-dovey feelings but that it also takes hard work, intention, and showing up for your partner (and yourself!) to make love work. And boy did Allie and Hudson show up for each other.

When reading the flashbacks of their childhood, you can tell what Allie & Hudson have is real. Their friendship is the foundation for the (eventually) perfect love story. Rebecca Yarros possesses the amazing ability to consume her readers and really get under our skin with her characters. I’ve never been disappointed by any of her romances because they are so genuine. Not only does she write amazing love stories, she writes such enriching life stories that often cause me to reflect about how I would respond to the character’s situations and I often discover things about myself that I wasn’t expecting while reading.

I am a big fan of Rebecca Yarros’ contemporary romances and in my opinion, “Variation” is the most trope heavy of her books. I love that every one of her books is a surprise! She completely captivated me with 1) second chance love, 2) fake dating, 3) found family (iykyk & SCREAMED), and 4) one bed, to name a few. Additionally, it has to be her smuttiest book yet, which I’m totally here for! To quote Eva Rousseau, “Five stars. No notes.”

Rebecca Yarros is my favorite author. Long before she became a household name with Fourth Wing, her contemporary romances sucked me in.

Now that my bias has been disclosed, I promise this book deserves all the love it's going to get! Her ability to suck you into the world... you forget your reading a book. The character development is amazing,.

This is Hudson and Allie's story. Allie is a famous ballerina and Hudson is a coast guard swimmer (I love how she continues to weave the military into her stories). Allie is fighting every day to continue to be the best ballerina she can be, but something is missing. When an injury sidelines her, she heads back home for rehab. When you go back home to a small town, you're bound to run into the past - and the past just happens to be handsome Hudson Ellis. To say they have a past is an understatement. Hudson remains in their small town, even though he was determined to get out, to help with family obligations.

Being thrown back together brings up all sorts of emotions, and I love how we get flashbacks to see their past as well. I will say, you can expect the patented Rebecca twist, but we'll see if you can guess what it is going to be! The only complaint I ever have, is the books aren't long enough. I want more - especially of the happily ever after!

I love that even though her fame has grown, she's going to continue to write contemporary romance. Her stories bring escapism and are needed in this crazy world.

As always, YMMV.

I loved this book because I love Rebecca’s voice as an author. I discovered Variation thanks to having read Fourth Wing, and was not disappointed despite the completely different world. Hudson and Allie are lovable, and there’s enough mystery under it all to push you to fly through it. I will definitely read this again.

This captivating story is yet another must-read for fans of Yarros' work. This book made me laugh, cry, and scream with frustration as she takes us through a story woven with love, loss, and redemption. The chemistry between Hudson and Allie is nothing short of electric, and the plot twists keep you on your toes throughout. I refuse to spoil this emotional journey for potential readers, so I won't say more, but just be prepared: grab some tissues, and settle in for a wild ride. Love this and highly recommend it.

Rebecca Yarros is a 1-Click author for me. I’ve been hooked on her stories ever since I read Full Measures many years ago. I have read every single one of her book since! I don’t even read the synopsis. She releases a novel, I read it! So when this book came out, I was beyond excited to get my hands on it. It didn’t disappoint. I absolutely LOVED it!

A story about a Coast Guard rescue swimmer and an elite ballerina? I’m in! I simply adored Hudson and Allie. Rebecca writes the BEST heroes! Her heroines are pretty awesome too. I loved how their story began and how it ended. It gave me all the feels I want from a romance and left me with a cheesy smile on my face. I adored all the secondary characters as well. They added so much to the story. Even Sadie!

Nobody does military romance like Rebecca Yarros. Variation is another fantastic read from this phenomenal author. It was so much fun to meet Hudson, Allie and their families. I can’t wait to read what's next!

Review by Lys

I will forever scream at the top of my lungs that Rebecca Yarros' romance novels are GOD TIER!

As much as I love The Empyrean series, her romance novels are just amazing through and through. Variation is just more proof that people are sleeping on RY's other novels because they don't have dragons.

This book doesn't quite follow the same formula of her other romance novels, but it was very refreshing! Although the MMC is in the military as well, it is a different tier than her active duty abroad novels which was a nice change. The female main character, Allie resonated with me so much as a child prodigy of performance sport, and having family pressures of maintaining perfection. The rawness of those emotions and addressing them as an adult really hit home to me.

Overall, I cannot wait for this one to launch and thank you so much for the opportunity to read it early

Rebecca Yarros know how to write a story that reaches into your chest, pulls our your heart, tears it to shreds then puts it back together again and places it back in your chest, never to be the same. The story of Hudson and Allie has all the qualities I look for in a love story. We meet them when Hudson is just sixteen and saves Allie and one of her sisters in a boat accident. The two become the best of friends only to have their friendship end two years later after life gets messy. We catch up with them ten years later and sparks can’t help but fly when they are thrown back into each other’s lives. This book is about family and so many different family relationships. I love when Rebecca Yarros writes a love story and hated to have this one end.

I had never read anything by the author and I found it very pleasant writing. I really liked the issue of ballet, because it is something that is very familiar to me. It was a pleasant read and without a doubt I will read more of the author.

Allie! Hudson!
I absolutely loved this book. RY does some amazing work in the contemporary space, and I am loving it!
The longing, the banter, the grief... it's just all amazing. I love how she makes me fall for her characters and enjoy watching their journey.
Variation has 2 things I know nothing about: ballet and being a coast guard swimmer. But I loved it and I enjoyed the introduction to those 2 worlds.
Read this book, you will not be disappointed.

Oh. My. Gosh. Rebecca Yarros did what Rebecca Yarros does with her newest novel. This was a very beautiful love story. I loved the twists and turns, I loved the characters, and I love the beautiful details of ballet that were intricately woven into the storyline. It will be hard not to fall in love with nearly all of the main characters. The way Allie walks through her trauma is so incredibly relatable as someone who also struggles with perfectionism. Allie and Hudson have a stunning love story and you will have a hard time NOT rooting for them. I highly recommend this to everyone! I read the last 2/3 of this book in one sitting because it completely captivated my heart and attention and simply couldn’t put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This has been one of my most anticipated releases of 2024 and it was a joy to read it early!

Rebecca Yarros has been an auto buy author for me since I read The Last Letter 2 years ago. Her contemporary romances always have a way of drawing me in and unsure of how they will end!

Variation is a beautiful story of second chance between famous ballerina, Allie, and rescue coast guard swimmer, Hudson. Their story is filled with heartache, discovery of secrets, family bonds, healing, and quite a bit of tension/banter along the way.

What to expect:
- Second chance
- Ballerina X Coast Guard
- Fake Dating
- He falls first
- Dual POV


This is one of those books that I could see vividly like a movie playing out in my minds. I loved watching Allie come into her own and experience so much personal development. Hudson is 🔥 loved his role, personality, witty remarks, and honestly would have loved to see even more of his job!

PSA there is definitely some spice but it’s the right amount. Perfect spice to plot ratio!

It wasn’t quite as emotional for me as some of her other contemporary romance novels, but still had plot twists throughout. I wish there had been a bit less mentioning of social media/ use of modern day slang, just a personal preference of something I don’t love to have a large presence in books.

Overall I really enjoyed this story and I think it will be SO loved by romance readers!