I recently saw a meme that perfectly sums up my book-rating philosophy for Between Love and War (Magnolia Heights, #3): "I don’t rate books based on how well written they are. If it made me cry, 5/5..."
Well, consider this book a five-star masterpiece—because it made me sob for all the best, most cathartic reasons! This is officially my first 5/5 read from Ms. Kyra Ysabel, and it's an absolute must-read.
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| Between Love and War (Magnolia Heights, #3) |
Tropes
- 💜 Dislike to Lovers
- 🧡 He’s Famous, She’s Not
- 💜 Found Family
- 🧡 They Bond Over Kids
⚠️ Spoiler Warning!
Character Deep Dive
Kate
Kate felt so incredibly real. She embodies that classic "good girl" persona—strong on the outside, a caretaker, a people-pleaser who can't say no, and a complete hopeless romantic at heart. She’s built a bubble of self-sacrifice, leading everyone to believe she's infinitely capable and always available. Her journey is about the internal struggle that comes when that carefully constructed wall is challenged—and who better to do it than a famous basketball player?
Michael
Oh, this guy. Michael Lee is the full package: handsome, famous, and rich. But who is he beyond the headlines? He's a guy with a huge capacity for love, a dedicated kid-lover, and a total sucker for Kate's cookies. What I loved most is how completely head-over-heels he is for Kate (although he didn’t admit it initially!). His fame isn't just a backdrop; it's a genuine challenge they have to navigate, and seeing his vulnerable side as he chases Kate is everything.
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| If it made me cry, 5/5... |
Why I Cried
Kate and Michael don't just fall in love; they complement and challenge each other’s entire persona. The playful banters, especially when Michael is irritating Kate, are just a bonus! They bring out the rawest, truest versions of themselves, which is why their opposite-pole-attraction hits so hard!
The emotional moments that absolutely broke me (in the best way):
- Michael's Interview
- Kate's Overthinking
- Manang Linda’s Heart-to-Heart Talk
- The Love Confession
There’s so much I love about this book! Between Love and War is an emotional, beautiful study of family, self-worth, and finding the person who finally sees past the wall you've built. I am begging you to read it! You deserve this five-star read!
Book is set to release on Oct 18, 2025. Pre-order here:
 by Kyra Ysabel ){kind=link}
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