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Text Me When You Get This
At seventeen, introvert Nora Thomas has had a rough life. She survived an attempted kidnapping as a child, then lost both parents on a hiking expedition nine years later. She holds herself responsible for the death of her twin brother Nick at birth.
A school trip introduces her to Claire Tucker who is everything Nora’s not. Optimistic, outgoing, self-confident. A magnet to others, including mysterious Ethan St. James, Claire’s best friend since freshman year.
When Nora and Claire begin an unlikely romance in another city, Ethan, absent for weeks, suddenly reappears. A brutal murder follows in his wake and the girls soon discover that some secrets are best left unexplored.
A school trip introduces her to Claire Tucker who is everything Nora’s not. Optimistic, outgoing, self-confident. A magnet to others, including mysterious Ethan St. James, Claire’s best friend since freshman year.
When Nora and Claire begin an unlikely romance in another city, Ethan, absent for weeks, suddenly reappears. A brutal murder follows in his wake and the girls soon discover that some secrets are best left unexplored.
- GenresYoung Adult
260 pages, Paperback
Published April 16, 2024
4 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 17, 2024
This young adult sapphic suspense novel was an entertaining mystery, if somewhat predictable. I enjoyed the pace and never lost interest. There was plenty of mental illness rep, including OCD, panic attacks, and more. In the middle of it all was a sweet romance and developing friendship. The teenagers, Nora, Claire, and Ethan have suffered quite a bit of trauma for their age but learn how to cope. They made strong attempts at communication and growth. The end seemed to wrap up quickly, and there was an epilogue. The intimacy, aside from chaste kissing, was closed-door, which worked well for the age of our characters. The alternating points of view helped to fill in the missing pieces but also kept me guessing, as one of them briefly appeared unreliable. I gave this one 3.5 stars, rounded up. I would read more by this author.
I received an ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
#mental health rep #depression #grief #kidnapping #murder #HEA #YA #healthy coping #panic attacks
I received an ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
#mental health rep #depression #grief #kidnapping #murder #HEA #YA #healthy coping #panic attacks
April 2, 2024
This one was a bit hard to get into and stay into, the story was good though it was just very slow moving and I felt like it needed more feeling in certain places. Like I didn’t really feel the connection with Nora and Claire, not enough for them to being felling like they were in love. I also would have loved to hear more background about Ethan and his family.
July 7, 2024
I love the way this book begins. “Seventeen years ago I killed my brother. Not on purpose.” Certainly an opening line that captures one’s interest! This book kept my interest so well that I read it straight through in an afternoon.
I have read all 3 of Lucas’ books. I enjoyed them all but this is my favorite. It’s quite different in tone than the first two and features different characters. These teens are more mature and serious than those in the other series and I found them more interesting.
The story revolves around Claire and Nora, opposites in many ways, who fall in love when they end up attending the same high school in Alaska. A third character, Claire’s best friend Ethan, suddenly appears in their world and causes much of the tension in the story.
Although this is a murder mystery the murder itself doesn’t occur until about 3/4 of the way through the book. Oddly, this didn’t bother me. I read the book in one sitting and I enjoyed reading about the characters and being part of their lives. I found it very readable and engaging and just kept reading.
As a former educator I have read many YA novels and can still relate to the fears, insecurities and frequent poor decision making I saw in my own teenage students. YA novels are often criticized for lacking depth but I believe that is by intent. They are intended to be somewhat light in complexity and they can be an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. I am a fan of board games and play games at all levels of difficulty. One type of game is known as a “filler game.” It’s a game that has easy to understand rules, is not complicated and plays quickly. These are games that can be played when one only has 30 minutes, when enjoying a drink in a bar with friends or while waiting for dinner to finish cooking. Though these games are often simple they can be equally as enjoyable as long, complex games and both are often enjoyed by the same people. To me, Text Me When You Get This is a filler book. It’s quick to read, easy to follow and doesn’t tax the brain. Perfect for summer reading or when you want to take a break between books that require a lot of mental effort and concentration. Added bonus: Because this book is very “PG” rated it’s a good gift for any teen in your life.
Have a open afternoon? Read this book. I did and I enjoyed it immensely. I think you will too.
I have read all 3 of Lucas’ books. I enjoyed them all but this is my favorite. It’s quite different in tone than the first two and features different characters. These teens are more mature and serious than those in the other series and I found them more interesting.
The story revolves around Claire and Nora, opposites in many ways, who fall in love when they end up attending the same high school in Alaska. A third character, Claire’s best friend Ethan, suddenly appears in their world and causes much of the tension in the story.
Although this is a murder mystery the murder itself doesn’t occur until about 3/4 of the way through the book. Oddly, this didn’t bother me. I read the book in one sitting and I enjoyed reading about the characters and being part of their lives. I found it very readable and engaging and just kept reading.
As a former educator I have read many YA novels and can still relate to the fears, insecurities and frequent poor decision making I saw in my own teenage students. YA novels are often criticized for lacking depth but I believe that is by intent. They are intended to be somewhat light in complexity and they can be an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. I am a fan of board games and play games at all levels of difficulty. One type of game is known as a “filler game.” It’s a game that has easy to understand rules, is not complicated and plays quickly. These are games that can be played when one only has 30 minutes, when enjoying a drink in a bar with friends or while waiting for dinner to finish cooking. Though these games are often simple they can be equally as enjoyable as long, complex games and both are often enjoyed by the same people. To me, Text Me When You Get This is a filler book. It’s quick to read, easy to follow and doesn’t tax the brain. Perfect for summer reading or when you want to take a break between books that require a lot of mental effort and concentration. Added bonus: Because this book is very “PG” rated it’s a good gift for any teen in your life.
Have a open afternoon? Read this book. I did and I enjoyed it immensely. I think you will too.
April 5, 2024
i am rounding this up to 3.5
the opening line of the book really grips you in, wow what an opener. two ex girlfriends are on a trip to the capitol with a local called claire … until one mysteriously gets sick… and a relationship blooms between two of the girls.
although the first chapters are a little slow, the book really does draw you in and make you want to read more.
claire and norah initially think both are vastly different from each other. only to realise they are similar to each other, as their relationship grows deeper.
the book is set into two parts, set 3 months apart. this makes you want to know what occurred in the months the reader has missed.
claire’s friend, ethan turns up out of the blue, adding a air of mystery to the setting. he’s both likeable, yet unlikeable at the same time. he’s such a well written character. i enjoy how he brings the tension out in both of the girls, causing a rift in their newly formed relationship.
the mystery element comes in a little later, but really shocks you, even though it makes perfect sense. the cuteness of claire and norah’s blooming romance, makes up for the lack of mystery, at the beginning of the book. i do wish we heard ethan’s pov, instead of just claire and norah’s, it would’ve made the story more powerful for me.
if you want a book about a teenage lesbian romance and a small town’s unsolved mystery being solved, then this is the perfect book for you.
thankyou to net galley, frances lucas and bella books for the arc. all opinions are my own
the opening line of the book really grips you in, wow what an opener. two ex girlfriends are on a trip to the capitol with a local called claire … until one mysteriously gets sick… and a relationship blooms between two of the girls.
although the first chapters are a little slow, the book really does draw you in and make you want to read more.
claire and norah initially think both are vastly different from each other. only to realise they are similar to each other, as their relationship grows deeper.
the book is set into two parts, set 3 months apart. this makes you want to know what occurred in the months the reader has missed.
claire’s friend, ethan turns up out of the blue, adding a air of mystery to the setting. he’s both likeable, yet unlikeable at the same time. he’s such a well written character. i enjoy how he brings the tension out in both of the girls, causing a rift in their newly formed relationship.
the mystery element comes in a little later, but really shocks you, even though it makes perfect sense. the cuteness of claire and norah’s blooming romance, makes up for the lack of mystery, at the beginning of the book. i do wish we heard ethan’s pov, instead of just claire and norah’s, it would’ve made the story more powerful for me.
if you want a book about a teenage lesbian romance and a small town’s unsolved mystery being solved, then this is the perfect book for you.
thankyou to net galley, frances lucas and bella books for the arc. all opinions are my own
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April 16, 2025Overall, I liked this story. I thought it was a fun blend of romance, mystery, and thriller elements. That said, the plot was extremely complex, and there were moments when I felt overwhelmed by everything that was happening. Balancing so many different elements while anchoring the story in a coming-of-age journey made it feel a bit overstuffed at times.
Still, the themes were clear and meaningful, and the build-up paid off by the end. The varied tone kept things engaging and drew me in. This book was fun and layered, even if occasionally convoluted. I think it’s a strong take on a coming-of-age narrative, but it could benefit from some editing to streamline the story. With so few pages, a few additional chapters might have helped the pacing and overall completeness.
I enjoyed the romance between Nora and Claire—it was a standout element—and I think readers who are more aligned with these genres will really connect with this book.
Still, the themes were clear and meaningful, and the build-up paid off by the end. The varied tone kept things engaging and drew me in. This book was fun and layered, even if occasionally convoluted. I think it’s a strong take on a coming-of-age narrative, but it could benefit from some editing to streamline the story. With so few pages, a few additional chapters might have helped the pacing and overall completeness.
I enjoyed the romance between Nora and Claire—it was a standout element—and I think readers who are more aligned with these genres will really connect with this book.
April 19, 2024
I LOVE this author’s style of writing! The dialogue is very cleverly written and just sparkles throughout the book. You will find yourself chuckling as you read along. Lucas has a real knack for tapping into a character’s inner thoughts-you know, the thoughts you have that you would never want people to know that you are really thinking….
The mystery develops throughout the story with a steady build to the final reveal which absolutely doesn’t disappoint!
The two main characters, Nora and Claire, are complete opposites of each other yet go together just perfectly. It is fun to experience the development of their romance.
Fantastic book! Fans of mystery, humor and romance-this is a MUST READ!
The mystery develops throughout the story with a steady build to the final reveal which absolutely doesn’t disappoint!
The two main characters, Nora and Claire, are complete opposites of each other yet go together just perfectly. It is fun to experience the development of their romance.
Fantastic book! Fans of mystery, humor and romance-this is a MUST READ!
April 3, 2024
Haunted by the death of her brother in childhood and her parents death by accident, Nora Thomas tries to carry on.
Cheerful, outgoing Claire Tucker met her on a school trip while serving as a student guide, and they do NOT get along to start with. But Claire finds the moody, brooding Nora mysterious.
YA novel like her other two, and is a mix of romance and mystery/suspense. It's also Canon with her other books, but you don't have to read them to get it.
I liked both heroine's, and the mystery was interesting. The twist of whom Ethan was was clever, and set up well. I also liked the cast of characters, tho I wish Amber had gotten a bit more karma.
Cheerful, outgoing Claire Tucker met her on a school trip while serving as a student guide, and they do NOT get along to start with. But Claire finds the moody, brooding Nora mysterious.
YA novel like her other two, and is a mix of romance and mystery/suspense. It's also Canon with her other books, but you don't have to read them to get it.
I liked both heroine's, and the mystery was interesting. The twist of whom Ethan was was clever, and set up well. I also liked the cast of characters, tho I wish Amber had gotten a bit more karma.
May 18, 2024
Two smart, sexy high school girls meet in Juneau, AK, during a school field trip. They clash, then click, then go their separate ways until they both find themselves in Anchorage, AK. Their romance begins for real until a dark twist when a murder happens outside their favorite coffeeshop.
I loved this novel. Love reading about smart girls who make mistakes, but work through it on their own. The third character is well-developed because you don't know if you're suppose to love him or hate him until the end. A great mystery setup with just the right amount of romance for a YA. I would definitely read more from this author.
I loved this novel. Love reading about smart girls who make mistakes, but work through it on their own. The third character is well-developed because you don't know if you're suppose to love him or hate him until the end. A great mystery setup with just the right amount of romance for a YA. I would definitely read more from this author.
April 12, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for this eARC! Text Me When You Get This was a fun twisty YA novel. I loved the main characters Claire and Nora and how well they balance each other's personalities. I also love the queer and neurodivergent representation in this book. Claire moves to Anchorage and starts dating Nora when Ethan, Claire's best friend, shows up out of the blue. Soon family secrets are revealed along with a brutal murder that has everyone pointing their fingers at the trio! I thought this book was really good and I flew through it.
May 9, 2024
Like a fun thrill ride!
This book had all of the elements of a non stop fun thrill ride. Getting to know the characters and all of their quirks was a pleasure. Easy to follow and read and I must admit I could not put it down. A mystery to the end even when I thought I had it figured out. Nora the explorer was my fav character.
This book had all of the elements of a non stop fun thrill ride. Getting to know the characters and all of their quirks was a pleasure. Easy to follow and read and I must admit I could not put it down. A mystery to the end even when I thought I had it figured out. Nora the explorer was my fav character.
April 2, 2024
The story had a lot of potential I just would have liked more, I felt like there was something missing and no real connection with Nora and Claire. It would have been great to hear more of Ethan’s background story to really give the story more depth.
June 24, 2024
Claire Tucker seems to be friendly and welcoming when she is tour guide to Nora Thomas during a school trip to Alaska’s capital city of Juneau. Nora has some quirky edges being raised in an overly protective household and some anxiety with OCD tendencies. They both are very smart and connect quickly. The story jumps a few months to where Claire has now moved with her dad to Nora’s town of Anchorage. They have been staying in touch anticipating being able to be together. Their budding romance takes a turn when Claire’s very odd best friend Ethan shows up from Juneau claiming to be staying with a host family. I don’t want to give spoilers but he often lies and the girls find themselves in a mystery that includes a dead body.
This is YA mystery romance novel and while the story is okay I thought elements were missing in both categories. I lot of the getting to know you romance is done off the page, when the girls are waiting to move closer to each others. The little word game play doesn’t mean romance to me. And on the mystery side the teens make a lot of stupid decisions. And Ethan to me was unlikable. I get he had a hard upbringing but his treatment of Claire is incredibly poor especially when she is the only one who genuinely wants to help him. And I have a really big pet peeve of people calling you nicknames when repeatedly ask them not to. I do not find it endearing in any way.
I read this almost all in one sitting so I was engaged while reading. But the story won't stay with me long. I did like Alaska as the setting but it really could have happened anywhere.
This is YA mystery romance novel and while the story is okay I thought elements were missing in both categories. I lot of the getting to know you romance is done off the page, when the girls are waiting to move closer to each others. The little word game play doesn’t mean romance to me. And on the mystery side the teens make a lot of stupid decisions. And Ethan to me was unlikable. I get he had a hard upbringing but his treatment of Claire is incredibly poor especially when she is the only one who genuinely wants to help him. And I have a really big pet peeve of people calling you nicknames when repeatedly ask them not to. I do not find it endearing in any way.
I read this almost all in one sitting so I was engaged while reading. But the story won't stay with me long. I did like Alaska as the setting but it really could have happened anywhere.
October 19, 2024
The crux of this story takes place over a weekend when two young women about to graduate from high school must solve a murder to save a friend from going to jail for the crime. (They fell in love in another city and get together a few months later.)
I love the way this is written: the neurodivergent characters and the gentle LGBTQ+ romance, which is perfect for a young adult book. The setting in Alaska is great too because you're not hit over the head with facts about Alaska. Instead, they're nicely woven into the storyline. My only complaint is I wish the novel had been longer because I wanted to keep reading about the girls. The mystery, however, is nicely solved with the kind of ending that I like.
Are there any other YA novels like this out there for lesbian readers? If there are, I can't find them. Most seem to be just about the romance without another storyline. Hope there'll be a sequel to this!
I love the way this is written: the neurodivergent characters and the gentle LGBTQ+ romance, which is perfect for a young adult book. The setting in Alaska is great too because you're not hit over the head with facts about Alaska. Instead, they're nicely woven into the storyline. My only complaint is I wish the novel had been longer because I wanted to keep reading about the girls. The mystery, however, is nicely solved with the kind of ending that I like.
Are there any other YA novels like this out there for lesbian readers? If there are, I can't find them. Most seem to be just about the romance without another storyline. Hope there'll be a sequel to this!
November 20, 2024
I really liked the characters, especially Norah and the mystery was fun. Glad there was an epilogue because I wanted to know that everything turned out ok.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews