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Good Graces
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"Good Graces"
Song by Sabrina Carpenter
from the album Short n' Sweet
ReleasedAugust 23, 2024 (2024-08-23)
Studio
Genre
Length3:05
LabelIsland
Songwriters
Producers
  • John Ryan
  • Julian Bunetta
Lyric video
“Good Graces” on YouTube

"Good Graces" is a song by American singer Sabrina Carpenter from her sixth studio album, Short n' Sweet (2024). The song became available as the album's third track on August 23, 2024, when it was released by Island Records. A pop and R&B song with Miami bass and UK garage influences and hip-hop rhythms, Carpenter wrote it with songwriters Julia Michaels and Amy Allen and its producers, John Ryan and Julian Bunetta.

Commercially, "Good Graces" reached the top twenty in the Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United States, and also reached number 15 on the Billboard Global 200. The song received mixed reception with some praising the 1990s R&B influences and Carpenter's vocal delivery and others criticizing the song's lyricism.

Background

[edit]

In January 2021, Sabrina Carpenter signed a recording contract with Island Records.[1][2] She announced that she was working on her sixth studio album in March 2024, exploring new genres and expecting that it would herald a new chapter in her life.[3][4] In anticipation of her performance at Coachella, Carpenter announced that a single called "Espresso" would be released on April 11, 2024.[5] The song was a surprise success, becoming her first number one single on the Billboard Global 200 chart and her first song to enter the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.[6][7] She followed this with "Please Please Please" (2024), which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.[8]

Preceding an official announcement, billboards bearing tweets about Carpenter's height began appearing throughout New York City.[9] On June 3, 2024, she announced that the album, titled Short n' Sweet, would be released by Island Records on August 23, 2024, and revealed its cover artwork.[10] The tracklist was revealed on July 9, 2024.[11]

Carpenter wrote the song "Good Graces" with songwriters Julia Michaels and Amy Allen and its producers, John Ryan and Julian Bunetta.[12] The song became available for digital download on the album, which was released on August 23, 2024.[13]

Composition

[edit]
Carpenter performing "Good Graces" at Primavera Sound 2025

Labeled as a pop[14][15] and R&B[15][16] song, "Good Graces" is three minutes and five seconds long.[13] It was recorded at Santa Ynez House, the Playpen and the Perch in Calabasas, California.[12] Billboard's Jason Lipshutz thought the song "coats that post-breakup coldness in the buttery sounds of '90s R&B, with Carpenter channeling the rhythmic pop style that artists like Mariah Carey and TLC handled so masterfully and putting her tongue-in-cheek spin on its warm textures".[17] Jaeden Pinder of Pitchfork described it as "a twinkly Miami bass-influenced" song, on which Carpenter channels Ariana Grande's 2016 album Dangerous Woman with her "whispery vocal runs" and NewJeans's EP Get Up while chanting "I won't give a fuck about you".[18] WhyNow’s Hannah Mylrea noted elements of UK garage on the track,[19] while Spencer Kornhaber of The Atlantic noted its hip-hop rhythms.[20]

"Good Graces" has a similar lyrical theme to "Please Please Please", where Carpenter urges a man to be honest and open, refusing to accept anything less. In the former, she parlays more confidence and strongly projects that she will leave a man who does not respect her. Carpenter stresses that her affectionate actions should not be seen as naive: "When I love you, I'm sweet like an angel / Drawing hearts around our names and dreaming of writing vows, rocking cradles / But don't confuse my kindness for naivety." Carpenter says that she will not be afraid to walk away if the partner does "something suspect" and commands him to stay in her "good graces": "'Cause no one's more amazin' / At turnin' lovin' into hatred."[21]

Critical reception

[edit]

Pinder picked "Good Graces" as a highlight on Short n' Sweet.[18] Lipshutz ranked it ninth among the twelve album tracks, praising the 1990s and R&B influences on the song and opining that Carpenter put "her tongue-in-cheek spin on its warm textures".[17] Capital's Sam Prance thought that the "lyrics are just as addictive as the poppy beat in the background".[21] On the other hand, Helen Brown of The Independent thought its 1990s R&B was "a little forgettable".[22]

Commenting on Carpenter's performance, Sputnikmusic's Sowing believed she displayed "superb vocals" and praised the delivery of the line: "I don't waste a second, I know lots of guys / You do somethin' suspect, this cute ass bye-bye". However, he was disappointed that this led into "aimless trap beats and a repetitive [...] refrain".[23] Ims Taylor of Clash thought "her delicate delivery over an R&B-esque beat feels less assertive, more almost panicked and protective, ready to run away at the first sign of danger".[24]

Commercial performance

[edit]

"Good Graces" debuted at number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 issued for September 7, 2024.[25] In Canada, the song entered at number 16 on the Canadian Hot 100 issued for the same date.[26] In the United Kingdom, it debuted at number 19 on the Official Audio Streaming Chart.[27] In Australia, "Good Graces" entered at number 12.[28] The song debuted at number 17 in New Zealand.[29] It charted at number 15 on the Billboard Global 200.[30] "Good Graces" also reached national record charts at number 9 in Singapore,[31] number 17 on the Sweden Heatseeker chart,[32] number 28 in Portugal,[33] and number 94 in Greece.[34]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Short n' Sweet.[12]

  • Sabrina Carpenter – vocals, songwriter
  • John Ryan – producer, songwriter, drums, guitar, keyboards, percussion, programming, engineer, bass
  • Julian Bunetta – producer, songwriter, drums, guitar, keyboards, percussion, programming, engineer, bass
  • Julia Michaels – songwriter
  • Amy Allen – songwriter
  • Jeff Gunnell – engineer
  • Nathan Dantzler – mastering
  • Harrison Tate – mastering assistance
  • Manny Marroquin – mixing
  • Zach Pereyra – mixing assistance
  • Anthony Vilchisa – mixing assistance
  • Trey Station – mixing assistance

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for "Good Graces"
Chart (2024–2025) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[28] 12
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[26] 16
Global 200 (Billboard)[30] 15
Greece International (IFPI)[34] 94
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[29] 17
Norway (VG-lista)[35] 55
Philippines (Philippines Hot 100)[36] 30
Portugal (AFP)[33] 28
Singapore (RIAS)[31] 9
Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan)[32] 17
UK Streaming (OCC)[27] 19
US Billboard Hot 100[25] 15

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "Good Graces"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[37] Platinum 70,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[38] Platinum 40,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[39] Platinum 80,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[40] Gold 15,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[41] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[42] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Good Graces

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Good Graces is a contemporary romance novel by Ki Stephens, published on May 13, 2025, as the fourth and final installment in the Coastal Rivals series. The book centers on a second-chance romance between Quinn Rose and Warren Mercer, former lovers who reunite at Sycamore Country Club and must navigate the lingering consequences of a past betrayal that shattered trust and altered their lives. Quinn Rose returns to Sycamore Country Club intending to spend the final month of summer discreetly for wealthy golfers, earn her paycheck, and leave without complication after a significant mistake three years earlier that cost her dearly. Warren Mercer, a dedicated preparing for his and aiming to qualify for , is spending the summer as a at the same club—only to discover Quinn back in his orbit, reopening wounds he had tried to outrun through intense training and focus. Despite efforts to avoid each other—Warren determined to keep his distance and Quinn reluctant to push—proximity reignites unresolved tension, grudges, and the deep history between them as first loves. The narrative explores themes of forgiveness, the weight of past mistakes, and emotional reconciliation in a college-adjacent setting marked by sports (particularly swimming) and . The novel has garnered attention within the , with readers noting its angsty tone, , and representation of complex emotional dynamics.

Background

Development and writing

Ki Stephens, who writes under an independent publishing model, incorporates elements of into her happily-ever-after romances, a style she has described as providing comfort through emotional tension balanced with resolution. She has stated a personal interest in featuring neurodivergent characters similar to herself, reflecting her commitment to representation in her stories. Good Graces serves as the fourth and final book in the Coastal Rivals series, published on May 13, 2025, following High Hopes (released February 13, 2025). While specific details on the writing process or inspirations unique to this installment remain limited in public sources, the book aligns with Stephens' broader approach to character-driven sports romance featuring imperfect protagonists and emotional depth across the series.

Publication history

Good Graces was published on May 13, 2025, by Ki Stephens as the fourth and final installment in her Coastal Rivals series. The novel was released simultaneously in Kindle format, available through Kindle Unlimited, and in format with 324 pages. A was also published.

Plot

Synopsis

Good Graces follows Quinn Rose and Warren Mercer, who reunite unexpectedly at Sycamore Country Club three years after a devastating betrayal that ended their relationship. Quinn, who rarely makes mistakes she can't recover from, committed a grave error three years earlier that cost her everything and shattered Warren's trust. Now back at the club for the last month of summer, she works as a for wealthy members, keeping her head down and planning to collect her paycheck before leaving town. Warren, a competitive swimmer who has buried himself in rigorous training—early mornings in the pool and late nights preparing for his and —has spent the intervening years trying to outrun the memory of Quinn. He is working as a at the club for the summer and is stunned to discover her back on the premises, acting as if she hadn't shattered his trust and walked away. Warren wants nothing to do with her upon seeing her again. Despite their mutual intention to avoid each other, their jobs at the same location force repeated interactions and close proximity. This setup unravels old wounds, reignites tension, and compels them to confront the lingering crackle of unresolved feelings. Grudges burn intensely, their shared history runs deep, and the power of first love proves persistent, pushing them toward a second-chance romance amid the aftermath of the past betrayal.

Setting

Good Graces is set primarily at the Sycamore Country Club during the last month of summer. The country club serves as the central location for the characters' reunion and interactions, featuring typical amenities including where occurs and pools where takes place. The time period is confined to the final weeks of summer employment, creating a seasonal, transitional atmosphere as the characters work at the club before the resumes. The setting ties into the broader coastal environment of the Coastal Rivals series, which is linked to university life in the region. As a , Warren Mercer balances his duties with training during this period. The luxurious yet demanding country club backdrop underscores the contrast between elite leisure spaces and the characters' summer jobs.

Characters

Quinn Rose

Quinn Rose is the female protagonist of Good Graces, depicted as someone who prides herself on avoiding serious, irrecoverable mistakes. Three years before the novel's events, she committed a significant betrayal that shattered Warren Mercer's trust and had severe personal consequences for her. In the present timeline, Quinn works as a at Sycamore Country Club during the final month of summer, a job that involves carrying golf bags for wealthy members while she keeps a low profile and attempts to outrun the lingering consequences of her past. She focuses on completing her shifts, earning her pay, and planning her departure from the club as quickly as possible. Quinn's personality is marked by guardedness and reserve; she maintains emotional distance and focuses on avoiding complications from her past. Despite these defenses, she shows care toward those close to her in moments of connection. Her centers on confronting the repercussions of her past actions, forcing her to face the unresolved tension and guilt that stem from her betrayal.

Warren Mercer

Warren Mercer is a collegiate in his senior year, intensely dedicated to his training regimen as he pursues qualification for . He commits to early morning pool sessions and late-night practices, channeling his energy into a singular focus on his athletic goals and finishing college strong. During the summer, Mercer works as a lifeguard at Sycamore Country Club, a position that unexpectedly places him in close proximity to unresolved elements of his past. Mercer is characterized as focused and driven, with a strong emphasis on and individual effort—qualities he values in swimming, where success depends on "my lane, my time." He tends to hold grudges, particularly in response to betrayals that have shattered his trust, and is often described as grumpy and brooding. His revolves around confronting the lasting impact of a past betrayal that destroyed his trust, as he navigates the emotional difficulty of rebuilding that trust amid lingering pain and renewed proximity to its source.

Supporting characters

in Good Graces primarily consist of family members whose dynamics and histories shape the ' emotional landscapes and the lingering consequences of past events. Quinn Rose's family includes her parents and brother. Her parents have long directed their attention toward her brother's needs, often leaving Quinn feeling overlooked and treated as "the girl we never have to worry about." This familial imbalance contributes to her independence and guarded nature. Warren Mercer's family features his father, who has battled methamphetamine addiction leading to multiple and now resides in an . This situation has profoundly affected Warren's life, reinforcing his self-reliant tendencies and . Connections to the broader Coastal Rivals series appear through recurring figures, such as Liam Donovan (protagonist of High Hopes), who is described as a cousin by marriage in the context of the story, providing a link to prior characters and events. At Sycamore Country Club, where much of the action unfolds, other staff members and club associates form the backdrop, though specific names and roles remain secondary to the central family influences driving the narrative's tension and reconciliation.

Themes and analysis

Trust and betrayal

The central motif of trust and betrayal in Good Graces revolves around Quinn Rose's past actions that irrevocably shattered Warren Mercer's trust in her. Three years prior to the novel's main events, Quinn committed a significant mistake that ended their relationship and left Warren to deal with the fallout, including the need to clear his name with his parents. This betrayal was not rooted in but stemmed from a breach that affected Warren's family relationships and personal reputation, forcing him to defend himself against false implications. The narrative employs this broken trust as the primary driver of , with Warren's lingering pain manifesting in his guarded demeanor and initial refusal to engage with Quinn upon their reunion. Their forced proximity at Sycamore Country Club intensifies the conflict, compelling both characters to confront unresolved wounds and explore whether redemption is possible after such profound damage to trust. Reviews highlight the depth of this theme, noting how the characters' guarded natures and past mistakes create intense yearning and healing through repeated confrontations with their history.

Second chance romance

Good Graces utilizes the second-chance romance trope through the reunion of former lovers Quinn Rose and Warren Mercer at Sycamore Country Club, where forced proximity compels them to confront lingering feelings from their shared past. The emphasizes a slow-burn reconciliation, marked by intense tension, extended periods of emotional distance, and gradual rekindling as the navigate their unresolved history and guarded natures. Grumpy dynamics define the central relationship, with both characters portrayed as introspective and emotionally reserved, creating a charged atmosphere of and mutual understanding that amplifies the trope's emotional stakes. Their history as first loves fuels the reconnection, providing a foundation of deep emotional resonance that motivates their efforts to bridge the gap created by time and past conflicts. The narrative resolves through mutual forgiveness and individual growth, allowing the characters to evolve beyond their earlier selves and achieve a meaningful emotional payoff characteristic of successful second-chance stories. Warren's background as a briefly intersects with the romance, adding a layer of personal ambition to his without overshadowing the relational focus.

Reception

Critical and reader reviews

Good Graces has received mixed to positive feedback from readers, with many praising its emotional intensity, character depth, and handling of complex themes. Enthusiastic responses often highlight the book's , palpable tension, and the raw portrayal of mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and family dynamics. Reviewers frequently commend Ki Stephens' writing for its emotional resonance and the effective use of flashbacks to develop characters' backstories, with one describing the yearning and tension as "exceptional" and noting moments that left them "clutching my chest." Another reader emphasized the authenticity of the protagonists' flaws, calling them "grumpy as hell, trust no one," and praising the "really honest and raw portrayal" of personal struggles alongside growth in trust. The chemistry between Quinn and Warren is a recurring highlight, described as "palpable" and filled with yearning, flirting, and jealousy that contribute to the addictive quality of the second-chance romance. Some criticisms focus on pacing and character relatability. Certain readers found the early sections slow or the resolution rushed, with limited interaction between the leads initially and insufficient depth in addressing past conflicts. A few expressed frustration with character decisions, particularly around and accountability, feeling that apologies or were underdeveloped. One reviewer noted that the book "felt so awkward and dragged out afterwards," while another critiqued the handling of the betrayal's aftermath as lacking proper resolution. Despite these points, many maintain that the emotional payoff and realistic messiness of the relationship outweigh flaws in execution.

Ratings and popularity

Good Graces holds an average rating of 3.42 out of 5 on , based on 809 ratings and 182 reviews. On Amazon, the Kindle edition has an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars from 229 reviews. Compared to other books in the Coastal Rivals series, Good Graces has a rating similar to the first book (3.38 from 7,371 ratings) but lower than the second (3.52 from 2,093 ratings) and third (3.64 from 1,196 ratings), with the fewest ratings overall, consistent with its position as the most recent release on May 13, 2025. It has also accumulated over 2,000 "want to read" additions on , along with 133 current readers, indicating sustained interest among fans. The book was published on Kindle Unlimited, a platform common for the series that supports broad accessibility for digital readers.
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