📖 Astor Hill by Sydney Madison

Astor Hill was a quick, addictive read that I flew through in just two days. While it wasn’t without its frustrating moments for me, it was also a story that kept pulling me forward and that balance made it an interesting and memorable read.

This book leans heavily into emotional tension, complicated relationships, and the kind of messy choices that feel very real in a college setting. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

💭 My Honest Thoughts

One thing I appreciated about Astor Hill is that it didn’t shy away from uncomfortable dynamics. Early on, I struggled with the FMC and the way she allowed her boyfriend to treat her ~ and yes, that was frustrating to read. But at the same time, it felt intentional. It reflected how difficult it can be to recognize unhealthy patterns when you’re deeply embedded in them.

Where the story really came alive for me was in the chemistry between Olivia and Ben. Their banter, interactions, and underlying tension was undeniable. I loved how different Ben felt compared to the life Olivia thought she wanted, and the forbidden nature of their connection only heightened the emotional stakes. The brother rivalry added another layer of complexity, making every interaction feel charged and meaningful.

This book also does a great job exploring identity, expectations, and the pressure of maintaining a carefully curated image ~ especially within the world of college sports and social hierarchies.

✨ What Worked for Me

• The chemistry and banter between Olivia and Ben

• The forbidden romance element with real consequences

• He-falls-first energy that added emotional depth

• Complex, imperfect characters who grow throughout the story

  
  

💬 Final Thoughts

While Astor Hill challenged me at times, it also kept me invested and curious about what would happen next ~ and that matters. It’s a character-driven college romance that leans into emotional messiness, tough choices, and undeniable chemistry.

If you enjoy forbidden love, love triangles, and stories where characters are forced to confront who they are versus who they’re expected to be, Astor Hill is worth adding to your TBR.

📚 Where to Find the Book

Astor Hill by Sydney Madison is available now:

📘 Find it here in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my bookish adventures 💛

✨ Let’s Be Bookish Friends

If you enjoyed this review, you can find more cozy book chats, reading updates, and everyday bookish life over on my Instagram 💛

Come hang out with me at @simplymarisa.xo and let’s talk all things romance, TBRs, and favorite tropes. You can also find all my links, recent reads, and bookish goodies in my Linktree ~ it’s always linked on my socials.

Thanks so much for being here and supporting my little corner of the bookish internet 📚✨