It Couldn't Be You

by Rebecca Jo Jackson

Emma has feelings for her best friend's brother, Gabriel, but he is totally off-limits (or at least that's what she’s always telling herself). This hasn't been much of a problem for the past couple of years while he's been living in California and she’s still in the small town in Texas where they grew up together.
When Gabe ends up having to extend his visit home, it's not only the most exciting thing to happen in Emma's life in a while, it's also the most confusing.
Could she get a second chance at something she might've blown years ago?
If that wasn't enough, she's just been through a messy breakup.
Oh, and she lost her job.
Emma's not sure of what to do next when it comes to her career...or her love life.
In this small-town romance, can a curly-haired, charismatic adventurer who Emma's known all her life and Emma an overthinking writer at a crossroad…finally admit what they've been wanting all along? (It just couldn't be each other, right?).

Genres: Clean Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Slow Burn, Contemporary Romance

Paperback

Published August 1, 2023

About the author

Rebecca Jo Jackson writes love stories that make you swoon. She grew up in a small town in TX, but now lives and writes in California.
Find her on Instagram @authorrebeccajojackson

Reviews

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Couldn’t Be You by Rebecca Jo Jackson is a heartfelt, small‑town contemporary romance about Emma, an overthinking writer at a crossroads, and her childhood crush Gabriel, her best friend’s adventurous older brother, who returns unexpectedly to their Texas hometown and forces her to confront long‑buried feelings she’s been avoiding for years.

After a messy breakup, a sudden job loss, and Gabe’s extended visit home, Emma must navigate her fear of change, her deep‑rooted affection for Gabe, and the possibility that what she’s wanted all along might be right in front of her. This slow burn story weaves friendship, family ties, and self‑discovery into a tender love story that feels both familiar and deeply personal.

When I read It Couldn’t Be You I felt like I was watching old friends rediscover what made them fit together in the first place, yet with real stakes and emotional depth. Emma’s vulnerability was so beautifully rendered that I felt her anxieties, hopes, and frustrations as if they were my own, and Gabe’s steady, curious warmth made me root for him quietly from page one. The small‑town setting of Sweet River felt like a place I could wander into, full of familiar shops, heartfelt community, and afternoons that stretch into long conversations about life’s unexpected turns. What delighted me most was how this romance wasn’t just about two people falling in love, but about Emma finding her voice, learning to choose courage over comfort, and discovering that home might be more than a place or a memory. The slow burn of their chemistry, the way memories of childhood blend into present‑day possibilities, and the tender honesty of their moments together made me smile, sigh, and occasionally tear up with delight.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving It Couldn’t Be You this rating because it is a genuinely warm, introspective and satisfying romance that made me care deeply about its characters’ growth, their lingering connection, and the way a long‑held love can finally find its voice. It’s the kind of story that hugs the heart and lingers long after you finish the last page.

[Madi (whatsmadireading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Rebecca, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

overview-

At her boyfriend's family’s holiday party, Emma realizes that Jordan is not the man she wants to be with for the rest of her life. Unfortunately, this is the night that he proposes to her. Unable to give him an answer, she sneaks out the bathroom window, effectively ending their relationship.

After college, she spent many comfortable years back in her home town Sweet River. Staying close to her family, her long-term boyfriend, and a writing job for their local paper. Emma’s not sure how she wants to spend the rest of her life, but she knows that this is not her passion.

When her best friend's brother Gabriel comes back into town, she begins to realize what it is that she really wants. And she’s wanted him since she was a kid.

review-

5 ⭐️ (I wish there were 6)

I loved everything about this book. I don’t remember the last time I felt this way about a romance, but I was so so in love with these characters. This is childhood friends-to-lovers ✨ done. right. ✨

This romance was without the gimmicks (fake dating, marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers…) this is a true romance, my absolute favorite.

The slow burn was full of small moments that felt BIG! The character dynamics were so raw, realistic, and addicting. The pinning, the angst, the longing, I loved it all.

Emma has been saving her heart for Gabriel since she was a kid, and he felt the same. Not only was he her best friend's brother, but he was also one of her best friends. The town would joke that she was adopted into his family, calling them siblings or twins (which they both didn’t appreciate for obvious reasons). She never wanted to risk the friendship with him, his sister, and their family, keeping them from being together their whole lives. Until Emma rethinks her life and realizes that there will never be anyone like Gabriel for her.

It was a wonderful bonus that we also got to follow Katie’s love story, which just added to the romance of the book. Rebecca Jo Jackson just knows how to write a romance.

Read if you like-
❤️‍🔥slow burn
👫childhood friends to lovers
👩‍❤️‍👨best friends brother
❤️angst, no spice

This is the best romance I’ve read in a long time. Books like these are the reason I love reading.

[Sydney Wagoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so thankful for the chance to have read this as an ARC for an honest review, I could rave about this book friends!
.
.
This book is SO wholesome & sweet! I typically prefer romances short & sweet or don’t always love the in between moments so I expected to enjoy this but GUYS I adored this book at every point. 💕

The characters are realistic, but fun & lovable, & handled things in such a healthy way, which was refreshing! Every conflict was handled so maturely & used to grow instead of making everything a way bigger problem or thinking others were out to get them. I loved that, healthy communication is a win! The slow burn had me squealing & dying for more! Plus, the secondary romance in the story was just as good as the main one & I looked forward to more of “Canada Man.”

I was not prepared to finish it, I enjoyed being in this story so much! This quote towards the end of the book summed my feelings up perfectly:
“I could feel it was ending. It felt like reading the end of a book, the stack of pages getting thinner in your hands, and you know you’re running out of story. It’s wrapping up even if you aren’t there yet.”
.
.
I still can’t stop thinking about this book & I feel like this will be what I compare future romances I read to, cause this was so sweet & perfect for me, it felt like a breath of fresh air to read.

[alikpo (Alina) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it's more 4.7-4.8 but it was so light and cute and forced me to want to have smth like this... ✨

i dunno, it's the perfect one for brighten up the evening and dream about a healthy relationship with someone who is meant for you!
Gabe is just almost my perfect one type of partner and Emma is sweet and iI completely understand why she is so afraid. And I'm so happy that these two were able to find a way to each other and finally cross the line!
AND family dynamic jeeeeees it was soooooo good, like found family and this stuf...and friendship, it was rlly good thought about growing up of friendship and thats's okay that ur relationships could change a little and kinda change dynamic, but friendship is still there and it's okay and that what ppl have to have✨

[Elizabeth - Write Read Eat Repeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5
Cleanliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.9/5

This book is soooooo good! It's a beautiful journey of self discovery and growth.

❤️ My Favorite Things:
- She wrote about Texas so well! You can totally tell the author either lived in Texas or really did her research!
- The fears Emma experienced are so relatable! Sometimes it was a little frustrating because the reader knows they're mostly unfounded but when she finally overcomes them it's so beautiful!
- Hearing her talk about her writing was so sweet.
- Katie and Emma's friendship 💕
- The California trip 🥰
- The New Years Eve scenes!

✨Perfect if you love...
character growth,
clean romance,
and small towns ✨

🚨 Content Warnings 🚨
A very few minor swear words and uses of God's name in vain
Kissing scenes

[Jenna Brownlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Couldn’t Be You is as sweet, warm, and inviting as the cup of coffee on its cover. This slow burn romance of a girl who is secretly in love with her best friends brother is fun and light while also quietly sliding in resounding truths and beautiful quotes.
The protagonist, Emma, is a a bit of a slow burn herself as she continues to deny herself the things (and person) she really wants out of fear. Gabe is a total swoon, which I personally need in a love interest, patiently waiting and fighting for Emma to follow him down the path they both belong on. Though Emma can frustrate a reader with her constant trepidation I felt it made her personal growth more believable and more satisfying in the end. I liked that she grew as a person first which was how she lands in the place she belongs, which just so happens to be in Gabe’s arms. I also appreciated that she had a full life- a job, a best friend, a close relationship with her family, ambition for a career. I am not a big on romances that only exist in a love tunnel, so this pov was refreshing.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a slow burn, a flawed heroine who experiences personal growth, and a love interest who remains steadfast through it all. This one checks all the boxes.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It couldn’t be you” is Rebecca Jo Jackson’s romance debut and I feel like she knocked it out of the park!

Yes this is a love story but it was so much more than that. It was a story about finding yourself. About facing things that scare you. About friendship & family. This book made me feel many emotions. It made me happy. It made me so sad that I wanted to cry. So frustrated I wanted to throw my kindle across the room! Yet it also made me have butterflies in my tummy and kick up my feet giddy. My heart ached for these characters.

I related to Emma in immense ways. I honestly feel & think the way she thinks. It was eye opening & now has me ask the question "Am I living my dream or am I just where I’m at because it feels safe?”

I highly HIGHLY recommend reading this book! This will probably be my favorite read of the month.


TROPES
💜Best friend’s brother
💜Small Town
💜Only Kissing
💜Forced Proximity
💜Slow Burn
💜Childhood friends to lovers

Thank you so much Rebecca Jo Jackson for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book. You have definitely made a fan out of me & I can’t wait to read what you write next

[Hannah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favorite romance read of the past few years! The character development was amazing in the book - although I didn’t relate to the main character too much - we don’t share the same personality, nor am I in her life stage, somehow she is so dang relatable! I think the author has a unique gift of making the storyline so universal and so fun, all the while crafting a classic and hilarious romance novel. I loved every minute of reading the novel and couldn’t put it down! 10/10 recommend.

[Samantha Blocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

WOW!!! This. Book. I am so Emma Brown coded it’s not even funny.

All jokes aside this book has me feeling all the feels. It’s a closed door/slow burn/childhood friends to lovers/best friends brother romance done so RIGHT. I loved Emma and Gabe as characters so much and while not every character had me head over heels, I was still thinking about the story constantly and never wanted to put it down.

I love the way the writing of the romance was approached. While the characters are often found in a nostalgic haze, they still feel their age and not too youthful. The slow burn was just right for me, we get deep dives into flashbacks of Emma’s memories (with her recent ex almost fiancée and the man she has always wanted), and the pacing never feels truly “slow” while the overall romance is. I loved Emma’s POV, I felt so seen by her and her constant stream of consciousness.

Random/fluffy thoughts: I adored the modern music references- they were so wholesome and entertaining. I felt like I was watching a movie it was so enchanting and I felt so giddy reading. Few romances have made me feel this way! I love second chance romances and loved that while this wasn’t the trope of this book it still felt close to that for me. I will not shut up about this book for months to come. Cant wait to start a reread around Christmas.

[Kaitlin Noel Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was beautifully written, Emma was seriously so relatable. Her favorite ice cream flavor was coffee & she ate chips with French onion dip. I mean, totally something I’d do too 😂 The story of how Emma and Katie’s friendship grows throughout the book as well is just so good. They both find their happy ending and I loved all of the side characters in this story

I found this book to read like I was really a part of Emma’s story and I wish it was longer! You know a book is good when you want more. I want more past Emma and Gabe, I want more about Coffees & Commas, the adorable bookstore cafe in town. I just want more Sweet River! I can’t wait for her next book in the series

There is a slight miscommunication trope throughout the book, which isn’t usually my favorite, but in this story, it made sense to be there and was actually part of the plot. There was also kissing only romance, which was a breath of fresh air!

[its_.bookaholic._me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I'm obsessed with this novel!🤌I could visualize every moment as I read it and it felt so good. This was a package of everything I expected it to be and more. Emma's character development from a self-doubting and overthinking one to a mature woman was portrayed so well. The relationship between Emma and Gabe was surreal and so pure. There were so many blushing/butterfly moments🤭,their conversations were the cutest!🫶🏻 The flight scene with truth or dare game was my most favorite scene! Ngl, the female protagonist got me annoyed at some points for not confessing her feelings at what felt like the right time. But after finishing the novel, I would say the wait was totally worth it. It was so cute to see how both their mothers secretly root for them. The novel also covers a writer's life and the difficulties faced by them along with the joy they find in what they do. It was not just a romance novel but inspires us along with showing the importance of family and friends. The conversations between the characters , their nostalgic talks, their travels for work, everything made me to keep reading more.The friendship shared by Emma and Katie was so cool and they were soul sisters for real. I would say the second leads' love story was way more cute than the main leads'🙈. All of them were meant to be and to see them all realise it was so satisfying and made my heart full!🫶🏻

[Anastasia Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely adorable, sweet romance!

This story is just so real There were no flashy gimmicks or overdone tropes, but this story didn’t NEED them. It is just so incredibly and heartwarmingly REAL!

I loved Emma’s internal conflicts (romantic relationship changes and career shifts) just as much as the romance developing between her and Gabriel. I also enjoyed Emma’s dynamic with Jordan, it felt so authentic and relatable.

This was the best kind of slow burn, with tiny moments that kept you wanting more!

Definitely worth the read!

[Maddie Contreras · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, thank you so much for eARC of It Couldn’t Be You!!

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I fell in love with these main characters. I wanted Emma to get everything she dreamed of and was scared of, so that’s why it was hard when a lot of the story was about Katie and Terrence. It felt like their story was taking up Emma’s spotlight (which is basically par for the course of Emma’s life). I wanted MORE of Emma and Gabe scenes - not just Emma thinking about Gabe and agonizing over him but then NEVER choosing him. Their texts to each other and interactions were the cutest! I loved them together so much. If I took myself out of thinking it was just about Emma and Gabe, then I really enjoyed the multiple couple story and obviously rooted for all of them in the end. Which made me keep reading when it was infuriatingly slow with Emma’s big realization. I get she needed to grow but the letdown of the hotel stay!! 😅 It made the ending that much more wonderful though! Overall, I loved the concept and just wanted more of Emma’s love story instead of Katie’s. I would also have LOVED a switching of viewpoints to Gabe’s.

Nitpicky things: Sometimes, there was too much over explanation, and over internal monologue, that it took me out of the story. There were a few instances of thinking that the reader isn’t paying attention with over explanation. The first chapter was hard to get through with the gushing over Gabriel constantly without any reference but then reached its flow quickly.

Overall: I loved the banter, the descriptions of Sweet River and every place they visited, and the sweetness of Emma and Gabe’s love! There were such good analogies that I highlighted and loved how it all came together in the end with her personal and romantic growth. I see she had to grow but I just wanted more of their sweetness of being together because it made me heart swell!

[KMC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma is comfortable. She has a steady boyfriend, a lifelong best friend, and a reporting job in her hometown. But there’s something always in the background— her best friend’s brother, Gabe. When Emma’s boyfriend proposes to her on Christmas, everything turns upside down. The pressure of the moment, followed by her firing from the local newspaper, makes her realize that it may be time to start chasing down her childhood dreams. And it also makes her realize that she may not be able to keep avoiding her feelings for Gabe, no matter how much she worries that it will change her dynamic with his family. Will Emma finally realize everything she wants, or will fear of change stop her from living her life?

I would rate It Couldn’t Be You by Rebecca Jo Jackson 5 out of 5 stars. I am OBSESSED with the relationship between Emma and Gabe. It is a slow burn (the type of slow burn that has you freaking out when their knees touch under the table), and the interactions between the two of them are so cute. The character development of Emma is also amazing. Though it is sometimes annoying how scared of change she can be, the story is written so that we get to experience all of her growth firsthand. The friendship between Katie and Emma was also beautiful, and it was really cool to read a book that focused just as much on the best friends as the boyfriends.

If you are looking for a new slow burn, forbidden lover book this summer, you need to read It Couldn’t Be You. It has everything- the childhood crushes, the flirty text messages, the histories of desire, the spontaneous trip together, and more. It was such a cute romance book that also managed to depict the internal struggles that come with the changes of growing up. If mostly chaste but still heartwarmingly cute romance stories are your thing, you need to go get a copy of It Couldn’t Be You right now.

[Karen Manaog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was such a well written debut novel!
Thank you for sending me an ARC! I read this book in one day. I haven’t done that in a really long time!

Emma has the dreamy boyfriend, lifelong best friend, supportive family, and a great job. After her boyfriend proposes to her, she realizes that her life is not what she actually wants, which sets off a chain reaction. First, she breaks up with her bf, then she gets let go from her job. Now Emma feels a bit lost and out of place from what she used to feel comfortable with. Good thing she has her reliable best friend and her best friends brother to lean on. 😉

Emma and Gabe’s relationship was a bit complicated, but also very simple and I loved the slow burn and build up of how their relationship progressed. They just fit so perfectly together and their relationship felt so natural. Such a sweet childhood romance.

I also loved that the book was not just a love story between a couple, but also included a love story about the importance of friendship between Emma and Katie.

If you’re looking for a fun friends to lovers, best friends brother, slow burn, small town romance story then this is perfect!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Hannah King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fell in love with these characters & their sweet love 💗 emma’s inner dialogue + Gabe’s lines were everything I needed to be obsessed 💫 also— this was so well written that it was easy to fly through this book & enjoy fully!! I can’t wait for more sweet river!!

[Megs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I hoped for but also everything I didn't expect! I was expecting a trope of a love story for the ages of growing up together having feelings never acting on those feelings etc. Which all of this was there plus everything I didn’t know that I wanted and or needed. I love how the story revolved around all aspects of Gabe and Emmas lives in the past and present, but I absolutely cherished all the parts of Emmas self discovery. To me that is what made this such a fantastic book, you got a more in-depth look into what made Emma, Emma and an amazing FMC. I was really excited to be there and follow along on the growth of Emmas character, how she evolved and grew and decided what she wanted to do with her life and never settled and that she finally realized that she needed to take that leap of faith with Gabe too!

I am definitely invested in these characters and would absolutely love an extended epilogue and or short story/novella of a follow up of where everyone is at in their lives.

[Isabela Wilder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got an eARC in exchange for an honest review-

let me be the first (or maybe second since Sam finished it before me) to tell you that it’s so cute!! Emma is super relatable in her indecisiveness and uncertainty about herself and her desires. I absolutely adore Gabriel, he’s so sweet and can be quite witty. I’m a big big fan of long time friends-to-lovers as a trope, so most of the slow burn had taken place before the book even began, but there was still quite a bit for us to read. Anyways, overall this book was really really good. I can’t give it a five star though because there was just so much doubt and miscommunication, and despite it being relatable (to me), I just felt more frustrated by it than I felt like it carried the story. I also wish we could’ve experienced more of Emma and Gabe’s story!!!! Felt like it ended right when we got to them figuring it all out. But, still so good and would defo recommend!!

[DeeAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Rebecca for selecting me to be an eARC reader. Honest review: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- No spice -
Y’all … this book is so good! It’s adorably sweet. It was definitely a comfort read for me and will probably be one I revisit when I’m feeling down. It’s as cozy as being wrapped up in an oversized blanket, with your favorite pair of tall, fuzzy socks on drinking a cup of hot mocha on a crisp fall morning. Sweet River reminded me so much of my small hometown. I found myself picturing my high school best friend as Katie. I felt a certain kind of homesickness reading this book, but in a good way… More like reminiscing about the days spent gossiping with my best friend in tiny coffee shops while sipping our coffee and doing homework.
Emma is such a sweet character that has big ambitions, but is still very much trying to figure out her life. She is a writer for her local paper as well as a barista for a small coffee shop managed by her best friend Katie. Katie has been her best friend since childhood and comes from a large family that views Emma as one of their own. Over the course of their friendship Emma starts to fall for Katie’s older brother Gabe. After college Emma and Gabe reconnect. Emma has a few major life events that force her to reconsider what she wants in life. This is a small town story about friendship and love. It’s an adorable and sweet story that belongs in a hallmark movie. I love the seasonal aspect to this book as well. I really enjoyed this book! ❤️

[India Tungate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book of Rebecca’s and I have to say, I am extremely impressed by her writing skills. This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions. At parts of it I laughed, others I was biting my nails, and some I was swooning!

This story follows Emma Brown who seems to be having a quarter life crisis 😆 after she dumbs her long term boyfriend and looses her job. It’s a story about self discovery and overcoming fear in order to chase after your dreams. This story felt more like a Chick Lit than a romance but I enjoyed the wild ride of following Emma during her journey and how eventually things started to piece together for her, including her feelings of her Best Friend’s Brother.

I loved this book! I wanted to visit Sweet Rivers in person, grab a coffee from Commas & Coffee, and be friends with these characters because that’s how they impacted my heart. They became friends. Luckily for us readers, Rebecca has a few more books coming in this series and I can’t wait to read what she has next.

Please go follow along her journey and read all of her books! 🥰❤️

[Karen Daliath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Gabe's story enthralled me from the first page and kept me racing through the pages for more and more! This romcom by Rebecca Jo Jackson is my favorite romcom so far—far better AND different from the romcoms I'd read before (my opinion).

The romance, friendship, siblings interactions, and family blended into this awesome storyline captures the reader so fast. I loved Emma's character and how I was able to relate myself to her countless times. The friendship between her and Katie was just so dang sweet! Man, reading about the two of them made me really wish I had a Katie too😂

About Gabe and Emma... I don't even know where to begin! I craved for more scenes of them together and grew frustrated when I couldn't find Gabe on the page sometimes 😁. Their chemistry and friendship, their competitive minds and silliness... and OMG, not to mention that Truth or Dare in the flight! I laughed my ALL out!!! 😂😂😂

Besides the fun, their romance was swoony and gave me butterflies!

Altogether, Rebecca's debut novel is such a cute read and I'm recommending it to everyone who love romcoms! I bet you'll love it! This won't be my last book from the author and I'm curious what her future books are gonna be like!

I recieved an ARC copy (special thanks to the author for that) for my honest review and all the opinion is mine.

[jenniferlea · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Why do I feel like I am Emma or Emma is me??? Can never make up my mind….Always chooses whatever feels safe…forever bummed that I missed out because I inevitably chose wrong…this is Emma until one day a little voice inside her head tells her to run…thankfully she listened

Then there’s Gabriel/Gabe…Emma’s bff since childhood Katie older brother…he knows what he wants & when….why can’t we all be more like Gabe???

Emma & Gabe are good for each other….an extra bff…like two peas in a pod or a magnet always drawn to each other….

I spent most of the book frustrated with Emma but I think it’s because she’s to much like me…I’m glad she pulled it together but wished it would of come quicker…
I read an advanced copy that was minus the epilogue…I’m going to need to get my hands on it because I have/need to know what happens next

[Angie Duke Arellano · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a ARC of the book for an honest review. And I’ll start by saying that I wasn’t a fan of the FMC, Emma or the side character, Katie. The whole book Emma struggles to voice her opinion and to take action for what she wants. And majority of the book is her own internal monologue dealing with that. As far as best friends go, I feel like Katie should know in her heart of hearts about a guy her bestie is dating before giving the ok for a proposal. But that could just be my own personal opinion.

When it comes to the love story between Emma and Gabe, it doesn’t really start until 60% in. There are a couple banters and flashbacks but present day Emma and Gabe did not make any moves. And for one day, they had what they wanted, and then quickly, she ruins it. And it’s back to inner monologue on how it got messed up.

However. I really liked Emma and Gabe. I think that’s why this fell flat for me. I wanted more of them. Even the ending, there was no epilogue. I need to know if she messed it up or if they are still together. Where is she working from? Where is he living? How did they figure it all out.

[Southern Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It captured my interest from early on and didn’t take long for me to get fully invested into the lives of these characters. Such good dialogue and banter between the characters (she keeps it real). It gives so many feelings; laughter, frustration, warmth, even inspirational quote worthy moments and just plain feel good. I felt l was living this story with them. Rebecca Jackson is a wonderful writer.
I should add that I love watching romantic comedies but this is the first one I ever read (I usually stick to historical fiction). But after reading this precious gem of a story I am adding it to my genre! Very well done!

[Tasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stay turned, must sleep... absolutely love Emma & Gabe 🤩🤩🥰

[Anna Barroso · Rating 5 out of 5]

by Rebecca Jo Jackson (@authorrebeccajojackson)
5⭐

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Ebook

𝘚𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘦𝘸
Okay, so I’ve debated saying this (because I don’t want to potentially hurt someone’s feelings) but I must. This book was one of the best Indie Romance books that I have ever read. Seriously, it’s right up there with Sarah Adams’s early books. I cannot recommend it enough. It’s so evident how much time Rebecca put into it.

This book takes place over about six months, but the pacing feels real and natural. The characters are like real people, with real reactions. There’s enough subplot to feel like real life, without distracting from the main storyline. It’s just so well-written.

Now, for the fun stuff! Gabe, oh Gabe. He seems like the kind of guy who would flash you a smile and never understand how much it affects you. Emma is so relatable. She’s nervous, but wants to overcome herself. They’re such a sweet pairing! And the slow burn! Man, oh, man. I knew it would get resolved in the end, but like hooooow? And Emma’s friendship with Katie and the whole Hernandez family is so sweet. It felt like I was invited in on their sleepovers or doing life right there with them.

Read if you love:
☕️ Childhood Friends to Lovers
☕️ Best Friend’s Brother
☕️ Small Town Romance
☕️ Slow Burn
☕️ Writer main characters
☕️ Second Chance
☕️ Single POV
☕️ Closed Door, Kissing Only

(Oh! And her niece–a high school student!!!--designed this cover and I thought that was just so cute!)

[Tatum - nuggetybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gabriel Hernandez & Emma Brown
- single POV
- Small town romance
- Childhood crushes
- Best friends brother
- Writer MCs
- Inside jokes & flashbacks
- Pinning & slow burn
- It’s always been you

✨ a few of my favorite things:
- Emma & Katie’s close friendship
- All the memories
- Katie’s whirlwind love story
- Gabe going for it and being brave multiple times
- Their Cali trip
- The epilogue 🥹
- The bachelorette/bachelor party that we get a new perspective on (I read book 3 first whoops)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 1 in the Sweet River Series - I was dying to know how we’d get to the HEA from the prologue and couldn’t put this one down. There is so much history between Gabe and Emma as well as so many current family ties. They easily fall back into being best friends even after time apart because they are so drawn to one another.

I struggled with Emma a bit because her and I are so different at our cores. Her indecisiveness was killing my take charge personality. I would be Katie in this situation 🫠 so my heart was breaking for Gabe as he was so patient and trying to get Emma to process and make a decision.

All in all their flirting and undeniable chemistry keep me intrigued. I desperately wanted them to get together and have the hard conversations. Their ending was cute

This is a clean closed door romance with no descriptive kissing and no cursing. There are a couple times the MCs say the Lord’s name in vain. There is mentions of Christian principles throughout (like trusting God’s plan, praying, etc). There were some detail inconsistencies and typos but not a lot.

Songs:
All too well by Taylor Swift
Betting on us by Myles Smith
Everything has changed by Taylor Swift
Please notice by Christian Leave *
Let me be the one by Lily Williams
Everything by Alex Warren **
Anything 4 u by LANY
We can’t be friends by Ariana Grande
Turn red by ROSIE
Only one by Carlie Hanson *
Rumor by Lee Brice
28 by Ruth B & Dean Lewis
King of California by Dasha
Voodoo doll by 5SOS
Play pretend by Alex Sampson **
There She Goes by Alex Sampson
Speak now by Taylor Swift
The last time by Taylor Swift & Gary Lightbody

[Carrie West · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I could feel it was ending. It felt like reading the end of a book, the stack of pages getting thinner in your hands, and you know you’re running out of story. It’s wrapping up even if you aren’t there yet.”
-Gabe

As someone who is way to old to not know what they want to be when they grow up, this story hit home. Hard. Sometimes the choice of familiarity is easier, even if it isn’t the best. You just have to find that out on your own. No one can make you understand that until you are ready to hear it.

Emma doesn’t come off as indecisive. She comes off as scared. She likes to plan and to know the future, and that is something that is very relatable. There were a few times that there was too much internal monologuing, but not enough to make me wish it was over. It all could be my anxiety and impatience of wanting to know her next steps, or to get back to the conversation that taking place.

The story of Emma with Katie and Gabe is so cute. Her and her two best friends since childhood that will have her back no matter what. Due to her feelings and having Katie and Gabe be siblings, her reservations are valid. She just needed to tell them her feelings. Listen, taking my own advice is not something easily done, but Emma just needs to talk it out with them. All together, separate, or both, it didn’t matter. Just talk it out!!! There is a good chance that someone didn’t expect to cry at Poppo’s Tacos while eating tacos and chips and salsa while reading the frustration of the three boil over.

This was a good example of how as we grow, things change. People, no mater how close, will shift in their relationship. Nothing about it is wrong. Dynamics change as friends meet their partners, babies are popped out, and jobs are demanding but pay your bills so you work hard. This book showed that as all of these things are inevitable, it doesn’t mean you stop your life because of them. It means you find a new way to make it work. All things change, good or bad. You are the one that chooses who it will effect you.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5 Stars

I couldn’t put this book down! The storyline, the characters, the twists and turns…I LOVED it!

Gabe and Emma had some of the best chemistry I’ve ever seen in main characters. Their back and forth plus their history was a literal page turner! I loved the way they both grew over the course of the book, the flashback scenes helped set the stage of what was currently happening.

This was a clean romance! Closed door, only sizzling kisses!

I would say this is a 100% must read, I loved Rebecca’s writing style and cannot wait to read book 2!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going to lie, I wasn’t sure what I was going to think when I started this book. It’s not that I had any anticipation that it would be bad, I just find that even with liking the occasional romance I tend to struggle with that genre a lot for various reasons.

This book was one of the exceptions.

This was a romcom that had me smiling the whole time. It was sweet, it had characters that I was constantly thinking about, and it had a town that I found myself mindlessly wandering even when I had put the book down. Emma was so relatable to me. I feel like mentally and career-wise I was in her spot at that age. It just felt so real and I loved watching her figure it out.

Yes, the romance was a main storyline in this book, but so was the growth of Emma. You see her in all her ups and downs of what I would definitely consider a quarter life crisis. She grows and finds her confidence and voice. It’s really cool to see.

Also the tension was perfect. A clean romance that gave so many excellent “oh my gosh just kiss already” moments. The will-they-won’t-they back and forth 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼.

Such a fun read.