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Here With You

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A bachelorette party scavenger hunt. A meet-cute with flowers. A jumbo stuffed llama. A promise of a phone call and Nutella stuffed french toast. What could go wrong?

Everything, if you’re Emilie Hensley.

Pushing aside her hesitations so she can enjoy a weekend of fun with her best friends shouldn’t be too difficult. After all, stepping outside her comfort zone to prove to herself she can be spontaneous was her idea. When a simple bridal party scavenger hunt comes down to a tiebreaker challenge, Emilie is shoved into a scenario that will test her newfound boldness. As luck would have it, the challenge involves a complete, albeit handsome, stranger. If it ends in disaster, at least she doesn’t have to worry about seeing him again.

Rowan Evans just met the girl of his dreams.

Except, after having a panic attack, she disappeared without a word, leaving him to wonder if he was the only one who felt the connection. Luckily, prepping for the upcoming wedding at his family’s venue distracts him from thoughts of his dream girl. That is, until she walks in as the maid of honor.

Even if they have a second chance, will her anxiety get in the way of her happiness?

One thing’s for Rowan is in it to win it. He just has to show Emilie that regardless of how she navigates life, he isn’t just here for her.

He’s here with her.

Here with You is a contemporary romance with an own voices rep with anxiety. Full of banter, sweet moments, and unforgettable friendships, this is sure to be a go-to comfort read. Readers of all spice levels will enjoy this sweet and swoon worthy romance that gives new relationship butterflies!

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2023

13 people are currently reading
409 people want to read

About the author

Tori L. James

1 book35 followers

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5 stars
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27 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Grace.
596 reviews359 followers
October 17, 2023
3.75 / 5 🌷🌊💌

I loved this, a cute, sweet, small town palate cleanser. It was just what I needed, a little short, cute read. That had some really good anxiety rep, I felt seen by this book. And it's so much more than a romance, I feel like it did focus on Emilie's journey a lot which I actually enjoyed.

Because it is short, I will say it was insta-lovey, but not to hard-core and I don't mind it. It wasn't crazy or anything.

I cannot wait to read this rest of the books in this series! <3

tropes
🌷 small town
🌊 anxiety rep
💌 strangers to lovers
Profile Image for Bellaturnsthepage.
238 reviews23 followers
October 3, 2023
⭐️5/5 | 🌶️ 1/5 | Cinnamon Roll MMC | Meet Cute | Love at First Sight | Anxiety Rep |Long Distance | Second Chance | Closed Door

Crying because this was such a heartfelt and beautiful book! Warm, sweet, cozy, and tender. Be prepared to swoon and love every bit of this! I deal with anxiety myself and I feel seen as this was so relatable on so many levels and what better way than to have a cinnamon roll and supportive MMC. That in itself is a win for me. The setting was described stunningly that you would want to pack up and head to Magnolia Marsh.

First off, this friend group is definitely one I am jealous of. They bring in that deep friendship but also the fun and amazing banter. I couldn’t get enough of them. Please transport me into this world so I can be a part of it. A bachelor/bachelorette scavenger hunt in a small town turns into a swoony meet-cute!

My heart went out to our FMC Emilie from the get-go because of how I was able to relate to her circumstances. She’s very sweet, selfless, wears her heart on her sleeve, and tries to not bother anyone with her anxiety to the point that even if it is them that causes it, she normally wouldn’t speak up. We get to see her journey of leaning more into accepting and working through her anxiety through therapy and meds. All the while, trying to open herself up to a possibility of a relationship with our MMC Rowan despite hard experiences with her ex.

Rowan, Rowan, Rowan. He couldn’t be more perfect. I love how he has a subtle confidence and is so sure about the things he wants in life. The perfect cinnamon roll / golden retriever boyfriend to compliment Emelie. He was supportive, observant, protective, hilarious, and knew exactly what to be for her when needed. UGH, all these fictional men.

I love how there isn’t any third act break-up. Just a second chance from when their initial meet cute didn’t end as we would have hoped. The communication that ensued between Rowan and Emelie was what dreams are made of. I just loved seeing the progress in their relationship. This book is closed door, but it doesn’t lack the swoon and steam at all, it was perfectly done.

Congratulations Tori on this amazing debut!!!
Profile Image for Caroline Rohem.
216 reviews71 followers
September 29, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨️Small Town
✨️Anxiety rep
✨️Meet cute
✨️Supportive MMC

"I just want to be here. With you."
"Then with me you will be, Emilie Hensley."

This book makes you feel all the good emotions. The story portrays anxiety, and I really liked how it was depicted. It was beautiful to see Emelie's healing journey.

I loved the characters and became attached to them. Rowan is adorable, and seeing him support Emilie is heartwarming. And I have to say that I laughed at various moments, the friends are hilarious.

I had a great time reading this book and highly recommend it.

*I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review, and all opinions are my own.*

Thank you very much, Tori L. James, for sending me this ARC.
Profile Image for Athen | ardentlyathen.
220 reviews18 followers
September 6, 2023
This soft, sweet, beautifully heart-warming book will have you wishing you could pack your bags up to head to Magnolia Marsh!

I had the honor of beta reading this book, and I’m telling you: prepare to add a new book boyfriend to your list!! Rowan is the ultimate cinnamon roll! Supportive, kind, willing to do anything for the ones he loves, and bonus, lives in the prettiest (fictional😭) small town.

And Emilie! Sweet, sweet Emilie will have your heart aching. Her journey with anxiety is so incredible relatable. I think everyone will be able to see at least a small part of themselves in her. Watching her growth (and Rowan supporting her along the way!) is everything. It simply gives so much hope.

Read if you like:
+ friend groups you’d die to be apart of
+ cinnamon roll MMCs you wish were real🫠
+ Own Voices anxiety rep
+ meet cutes involving donuts
+ low country settings/vibes
+ small town romance
+ scavenger hunts (IYKYK)
Profile Image for jada.
307 reviews91 followers
April 17, 2024
cute, quick read. it’s mostly about her journey on managing her anxiety with a 🤏🏼 tiny amount of romance thrown in. i don’t really see how it can be a love story tbh but i loved Rowan as a mmc!!
Profile Image for Kenzi Harlyn.
65 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2024
more than 5 stars. my new favorite book. why didn’t i read it sooner. i have never related to a character more. i loved every single thing about this book. i ended it in tears. it was beautiful
Profile Image for Danielle.
135 reviews13 followers
September 4, 2023
Title: Here With You
Author: Tori L. James
Length: 315 pages
Format: ebook ARC
Pub Date: September 30, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance, ChickLit
Trigger Warnings: on page anxiety attacks
Rating Out of 5: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary:
Emilie Hensley's bff’s bachelorette adventure takes a wild turn when a scavenger hunt, a surprise meet-cute, and a giant llama collide. What could possibly go wrong? Well, everything, if you're Emilie! As she tests her newfound spontaneity, she's thrust into a tiebreaker challenge with a handsome stranger. Will it end in disaster, or is this the start of something special?
Rowan Evans thought he found the girl of his dreams, only to see her vanish after a panic attack. But fate has other plans as Emilie reappears as the maid of honor at an upcoming wedding. Can they seize their second chance, or will Emilie's anxiety stand in the way of happiness? Rowan is determined to win her over, proving that he's not just here for her – he's here with her.

Thoughts:
Lemme start this with a quote from the book that could LITERALLY describe the book itself:
“It feels like cozying up to a hot cup of coffee on a crisp morning with your favorite fluffy blanket draped across your legs and fuzzy socks hugging your feet. It feels right.”

Y’all. I can’t overhype this book. Witty banter. Sweet as molasses moments. NICKNAMES. Cozy vibes (amusement park/beach/marsh) Serendipitous encounters. Real life, relatable problems. A plethora of Easter egg references to other books and, of course, Taylor Swift. NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP. Need I say more? No, but I’m going to.

I devoured this book in a mere 48 hours. And I just want to rave about it. It had the perfect amount of humor, sweetness, and tension (while also being closed-door!). I literally have way too many favorite parts in this book to mention them all, but I’m mentioning some spoilers down below. It’s one of those books that makes you feel better after you read it :)

🚨SPOILERS AHEAD:

From the beginning I was hooked. A bug infested hotel? Yeah I’m also sleeping on the beach instead.

When it comes to Emilie, Mo, and Brielle, I 100% felt like that could be me and my bffs. We’d have a good time. And the guys? Also a good time. Like, such a great friend group! Major found family vibes.

The author used phrases like:
"extracurricular activities that shall not be named”
and
“a bling peen”
that had me chuckling!

But she also wrote special moments like:
“And suddenly, I’m desperate to reach out and grab a little piece of the people we used to be.”
and
“I just want to be here. With you.”
“Then with me you will be, Emilie Hensley.”
and
“I’m not here for you, Emilie. I’m here with you.”
that had me swooning!

Getting to go on this journey of healing with Emilie was so raw, and I really was cheering her on the whole time. I’m genuinely so happy for Emilie and Rowan and can’t wait to visit these characters again in future novels!

Special thanks to Tori L. James for the arc in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Rachel Luke Parker.
287 reviews416 followers
November 19, 2023
What an amazing debut novel from Tori L. James! I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down!

There is always something special when reading a book with an "Own Voice" where the author is sharing their own experience through one of their MCs and this one was done flawlessly. As someone who has anxiety and battles it I saw myself so much in Emilie.

I love that we get to see Emilie not only find love, but also find joy and peace. I love that we get to see Emilie at her lowest points and at her highest. I love that we get to see her when she feels unlovable and as a burden to others because it makes it that much sweeter when we see Rowan build her up. I love that it shows her journey with anxiety as not just an easy switch she can turn on and off, but as something that takes time to understand and begin to conquer.

Rowan was just the sweetest cinnamon roll guy! The way he protects, cherishes, and strives to understand Emilie just made my heart melt. I love that though he was afraid of going for love once again he saw the potential that was there with Emilie. I love that he not only supported her in her journey but also helped her gain confidence in her own abilities.

I also loved Emilies friend group! There were so many amazing secondary characters and I cannot wait for them to get their own stories!

If you want to read a great contemporary romance with an anxiety rep, the perfect cinnamon roll guy, and a journey of love and friendship definitely give this on a go!

Physical Intimacy Lvl 3 (Descriptive making out)
Zero Swearing
Dual POV
Triggers: Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Mention of phallic memorabilia for a bachelorette party

Profile Image for Kmae.reads.
338 reviews9 followers
October 17, 2023
Thank you @author.tori.l.james for trusting me with your sweet baby as an arc reader. 🩶 I know you put your whole dang heart into this book and it shows. 🩶 And this cover… are you kidding me?! 😍

This book immediately starts out so fun—I love that it sucked me in so quickly. 🩶 Emilie (FMC) has a great group of friends who seem to compliment each other perfectly. As far as the relationship between the two MCs, I did take a bit longer to build a connection with them. Instalove can be a tougher one for me, so that’s really more of a personal thing. I do love the unconditional support that Emilie gets from Rowan from the very start. I think it’s so special to find a person who accepts you exactly for who you are, even the rough parts. 🩶

My very favorite part about this story is the mental health rep. I honestly wish there was more focus on it because I don’t feel like there can ever be enough representation surrounding anxiety and the struggles that so many of us face daily.

I am more of a dialogue-fueled reader and this book had a lot of descriptive imagery. Again, this is a me problem. 😂 I just can’t imagine things in my head, it’s not that it wasn’t done well enough. 🩶 I know some people are really into that because it can make them feel like they’re right there with the characters, so this may be a good fit for you! 🩶

Here With You is releasing at the end of THIS MONTH 😍 So so so happy for my friend Tori— I admire your bravery and hard work that got this lovely story out there in the world. 🩶
Profile Image for Sam (samstacksbooks).
185 reviews37 followers
February 16, 2024
The book reels you in with this gorgeous cover, fun shenanigans, the best friend group, and an amusing meet cute. It keeps you there with great character development, visual imagery, and sweet & swoony moments!

Emilie is pushed outside her comfort zone during a bachelorette party scavenger hunt when she meets a handsome stranger in a tiebreaker challenge. Meanwhile, Rowan just met his dream girl, who disappears in a panic, leaving him questioning their connection. While preparing for a wedding at his family's venue, Rowan is taken back when she reappears as the maid of honor. He is determined to pursue a second chance with her and support Emilie through her anxiety.

This novel features an own voices rep of anxiety. I thought Emilie’s character was so well done accurately portraying overthinking and “what if” scenarios. I loved the positive therapy talk. It all felt sooo real which I loveee that in a book!! To the point, I actually needed to take a breather. Rowan was so sweet and supportive with Emilie showing he was not just here for her but with her every step of the way!!

This heartwarming storyline was a comforting read 🤍 If you have any level of anxiety, you will feel seen. Magnolia Marsh is now a destination I’d like to revisit! I can’t wait to see who will be the MCs in book 2!! Congrats @tori on this beautiful debut!

5★ | Romance | February’s #12IndiesIn12 Pick
Profile Image for lili.
220 reviews8 followers
April 22, 2024
- small town romance
- anxiety rep
- strangers to lovers
- cinnamon roll mmc

Also Tori James is a local Carolina author! I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. The way Emilie describes her struggle with anxiety is very similar to the way I feel about mine. I found myself relating a lot to her.

Rowan is exactly the type of person I want my future partner to be. The way he was always so understanding and was there for Emilie, while also not invalidating her struggles… I wish more men were like this.

And there were subtle hints towards books and stores that made me gasp and say “Hey! I know about this!” Because of these, I felt like I was fully immersed in the world of Magnolia Marsh.

This was such a beautiful novel and I am so excited to see what else Tori L James creates! ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hensley Barnes.
248 reviews16 followers
September 30, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Love at first sight turns second chance/long distance
⚠️ TWs: Anxiety (anxiety attack on page)

📖 Read If You Like 📖
🚫 NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP
🥐 Perfect Cinnamon Roll MMC
🧠 Own Voice Anxiety Rep
🗣️ Therapy Positive
🚪 Closed Door Romance
👯‍♀️ Fun Friend Group
💗 Wholesome HEA

💭 Thoughts:
This is the sweetest book I’ve ever read! Rowan is the best book boyfriend and the epitome of a “golden retriever.” The anxiety rep was spot on and really opened my eyes to the struggles that come along with that condition. This book never slowed down and I was invested the whole time! The friend group was so fun, and I can’t wait to read about others as the series continues!!
Profile Image for Jenah Riggs.
438 reviews17 followers
September 30, 2023
This was such a sweet, gentle love story about learning to trust someone with your heart and with your mental health struggles. They had great communication and Rowan was the biggest sweetheart, showing Emilie that he was with her through all the ups and downs they might encounter! There are also so many fun parts with their friend group that made me laugh! An easy 5 star read for me!
Profile Image for lacyreadsromance.
244 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2023
4.5 warm, cozy and swoony stars.

Emilie is a teacher of little people and lives with anxiety. She has a tight group of friends who are like family. On a scavenger hunt to celebrate the incoming wedding of two friends in this group, Emilie is given the tie breaking task of getting someone to ask for her number. Que her anxiety. Also, que a flower carrying, fresh donut eating, butterflies at first site Rowan. Who we later find out is a gold standard partner for a high anxiety girl. Emilie ties the game exchanging numbers, but her friends let Rowan know she’ll get bonus points if he actually calls. Spoiler: he calls. 😍

Please add this man to the lists of ultimate book boyfriends.

As some one who works in a school, has trouble setting professional boundaries, is mentally overloaded and suffers from anxiety, I just loved this book.

The relationship between Rowan and Emilie was absolutely precious.

“I see you Emilie Hensley. I see this woman who is so strong she falters. Not because she is weak; not because she is broken. But because she carries this burden, this weight of the world that she doesn’t think people see.”

Thank you to the author for this ARC, beautiful inside and out!
Profile Image for Carrie Literary Gnome.
3 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2025
Here With You by Tori L. James is like your favorite Hallmark movie with the feels of a giant bear hug! Set in the low country of SC, teachers, Emilie and her group of besties are celebrating a bachelor/bachelorette party, when she meets Rowan. Not to give anything away, but the connection between Emilie and Rowan is everything you want and need it to be in a romance novel. But don't let this love story fool you, James takes on anxiety and mental illness in a way that challenges us to take a closer look at how we take on everyday struggles and how we treat those who struggle with the everyday. It was encouraging to watch Emilie grow in her confidence and self worth, while adding the oh-so-important tools to her toolbox to fight her anxiety. Every teacher that struggles with GAD or panic attacks needs to pick this book up. If only we could make it a professional development opportunity! Amiright? By the way, I am in love with the group of friends in this story. I'm completely in awe of their connections and their support for one another. And the laughter and banter between them is contagious. Finally, chef's kiss to the cherry lemon Sun Drop reference. IYKYK It's a Southern thing!
Profile Image for Anna Grace.
130 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2024
This book was as sweet as a cinnamon roll and was the perfect cutesy summer-to-fall transition romance!

Emilie and Rowan’s story is beautiful and the representation of anxiety and panic attacks and overcoming the obstacles associated with them was truly inspiring!

This book felt like a warm hug. I could relate so much to Emilie’s experiences and thought processes and Rowan is one of the biggest walking green flags I’ve ever read in a romance 🥹 cannot recommend this one enough!
3 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2025
Such a beautifully sweet story. Great palate cleansing book. If you like Hallmark movies, you will love it!
Profile Image for Breana.
17 reviews
September 15, 2023
I loved this book! Rowan is the sweetest and most supportive MMC. If you are a fellow anxiety girlie I really hope you have someone like Rowan in your corner! You know what else is great about this book??? NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP 🙌🏻

Tori gave a voice to how it feels to have anxiety and just want to get a handle on it but it’s okay if you need all the tools to do so! 🤍
Profile Image for Lauren Griffith.
71 reviews16 followers
November 25, 2023
This cutie of a book was a sweet gift to my heart many nights as I was reading. There were so many quotes I highlighted simply because they were things I had felt so strongly before. Sometimes it felt hard to read because Emilie’s thoughts felt too real for me that day 😅 and on other days I just thought it was so neat that authors are finally writing about mental health and anxiety in a way that shows the reality of the spiraling thought process. I feel known! And more normal.

This sweet dual POV story between Emilie and Rowan was a delightful read. Rowan is such a good hearted man and I loved how compassionate he was through Emilie’s struggles. It’s a closed door romance with such a fun and encouraging group of friends. I’m excited she’s writing more so we can get to know the other friend’s stories and who might end up with who. 😉

If you’re looking for a sugary romance with a little more depth, Here with You is an excellent choice! Thank you for allowing me to read your arc @author.tori.l.james 💛
It was beautiful inside and out!
371 reviews
September 22, 2023
When Tori asked me to beta read this book for her I was ecstatic! So much of this book felt like a warm hug, a safe space, like coming home. As some one with anxiety, though not to the same degree as Emilie, I loved seeing way it was represented in this book. The growth and acceptance for her surrounding something that is just a part of who she is and then to find someone else who can support her and love her, not just around it, but through it and because of it. Rowan is the biggest teddy bear of a MMC (or maybe he’s a llama, iykyk). He is sweet and kind and has the biggest freaking heart. I love the way he and Emilie meet, everything about their interactions, everything about this book. If you struggle with anxiety, or if you don’t, you’ll want to read this book and just feel all the gooey warmness of a low country love story by Tori James.
Profile Image for Kelsey Schulz.
Author 6 books79 followers
October 1, 2023
Here With You by @author.tori.l.james is a debut novel that follows Emilie & Rowan. They meet during a bachelorette scavenger hunt and they cannot forget about one another even after Emilie has a panic attack and spirals.

Anxiety rep books are one thing, but books that handle it with the amount of care and softness and truth is what makes it special. And HWY is SPECIAL. As some with anxiety and one who has experienced panic attacks (& represent myself in my book as well in my characters) Tori does an amazing job with Emilie’s anxiety. I felt seen, I felt heard, & I loved seeing Emilie’s journey through Rowan in him learning how to help her and figuring out ways to check in and be there for her. The way this book does not shy away from the talk of medication and the feeling of shame or trepidation that comes with it hits so hard but in the best way.
Profile Image for Jackie M. (Jackie’s Book Stack).
164 reviews8 followers
September 15, 2023
“I don’t want or need someone to rescue me. I want someone who will be with me while in the thick of it. Someone who will accept me for all my flaws and insecurities. Someone to be with me while I’m scared, and even if I’m not okay, will just be.”

If this quote resonates with you, then you need to read Here With Me by indie author Tori L. James. With fictional settings like Holiday Shores, a Southern beach town with festive boardwalk vibes, and Magnolia Marsh, a quaint small town not too far from Holiday Shores with a Savannah feel, this book will make you want to drive south just to see if they exist in real life.

This novel is for anyone who deals with anxiety. I appreciated Emilie’s voice throughout this entire book, as she copes with her anxiety and ultimately seeks out additional help, realizing that she is not someone who needs to be “fixed”...she is valuable and beautiful and worthy. And Rowan is the ultimate cinnamon roll MMC, who sees past Emilie’s anxiety and helps her to understand how strong she really is. Plus, he eats donuts, gets flowers, and isn’t afraid to carry a jumbo stuffed llama around in public.

When I finished this book, my heart felt warm and a deep part of me felt understood. I’ve talked with Tori L. James throughout her whole process of writing this novel, and we’ve had lots of discussions about our Enneagram 6 personalities. There were sections that she wrote that were thoughts I’ve had that I’ve never told her, and as I read them…I realized that I am not alone with some of my thoughts. That I’m not broken…that I’m just me. And there are others like me who face the same anxious thoughts, even ones I’ve never shared before. Knowing that now, I just felt like this book gave my soul a great, big hug.

Read if you like:

-Southern small town vibes
-beaches and boardwalks
-donuts and flower shops
-fun bachelorette weekends
-solid female and male friendships (best friend group ever!)
-anxiety rep
-closed door romance
-teacher life
-own voices
-long distance romance
-Friday Night Lights references (Tim Riggins!)
-romantasy and book loving references

Publication Date: September 30!!!

Profile Image for Randi Sampson.
1,751 reviews92 followers
September 13, 2023
This book... oh my goodness!

As someone with anxiety, sometimes reading a book with a character who deals with these issues can be tricky. On the one hand, I'm all for the mental health representation. On the other hand, reading on page panic attacks can be tough and there's always that fear that it won't be represented well. But let me just say... this story was like therapy in a book! Perhaps in part because of the on-page therapy sessions and recognition of some of the tools I've learned in therapy myself, sure... but also just in the way it comforted and made me felt understood.

While there were on-page panic attacks, I felt they were handled well, and they did not bother me. (Admittedly, this could vary from day to day though, so it's certainly something to be aware of.) The author herself has dealt with anxiety issues, and as such did a great job of portraying it in Emilie's story. Of course, anxiety looks a little different on everyone, so this is just ONE look at this ONE character's experiences. I personally deal with general and social anxiety, panic disorder and agoraphobia (among other things), so while I saw a lot of myself in Emilie's character, there were also many differences too. Either way, those who have similar struggles will certainly appreciate the messages of this story... and those who do not might learn a little more about what it's like or how to support friends that do.

But let's talk about the romance now, shall we? Oh my goodness, these two are just the sweetest together! I'm a sucker for a MMC who takes care of her... and Rowan does that so very well. He really was just the best... and certainly the best for her! Their chemistry was fantastic, and I couldn't get enough of them! And that epilogue!? The perfect ending for their story!

Here With You is a closed-door romance with great chemistry but nothing beyond kisses and no language.

**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
69 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I love how, in moments like this, I feel so confident in my abilities to ground myself and be the someone that another somebody needs. Why can’t I just step up and be that person when I need that somebody myself?”

Here For You is the debut novel for Tori James but you would never know this. Her writing is seasoned and magical. This novel is hands down my favorite read of 2023. The writing is beautiful, it’s one of those stories I wish I could read for the first time again. I laughed, I cried, I smiled from ear to ear. It’s good guys. GOOD.

Here with You is about a woman struggling with crippling anxiety feeling like she’s not enough…you watch her struggle, have the lowest of lows, find her people, her safe place. Tori does a beautiful job of bringing you along Emilie’s journey. Our MMC is Rowan and wow….he stands next to Emilie in every moment-not in front of her, not behind her, with her. He doesn’t try to “fix” her. He accepts her for who she is, every unique quality. His love is what dreams are made of.

I told Tori I don’t know how to write this review because this book meant so much to me - I didn’t think I’d be able to get the words out and do it justice. I hope you read this review and feel drawn to go experience the story for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

Thanks Tori for giving me an opportunity to read it early. I can’t wait for my preorder to come in and reread it again! Now I get to highlight all my favorite moments.

✨Own voice anxiety rep FMC
✨Cinnamon roll MMC
✨Low Country vibes
✨Dreamy settings 
✨Long distance relationship 
✨No third act break up!
✨Closed door but make it SWOON
✨HEA Guaranteed
✨Turns to second chance 
✨Love at first sight (but make it not cringe) 
✨Girl gang besties 
Profile Image for Lauren N.
14 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2023
“I’ve always been a worrier. Overprotective and on alert. Skeptical yet cautiously optimistic. I’m constantly planning for the worst-case scenario in my mind. If I plan for it, I’m somehow able to feel like I’m in control of it. If I know what the worst could be, I’m already part way to accepting it.”

Does this quote resonate with you too? Then you need to add Here With You to your TBR! It comes out September 30th! 🤩

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was lucky enough to receive an arc from my friend @ of her first book…and SHE KILLED IT! I cannot believe this is her debut novel, but it hit home. I’ve never felt so seen in a book. Emilie is such a strong and resilient FMC, and I am so thankful that anxiety and panic attacks were brought to light in this book. Bonus point (iykyk😏) because Emilie is a teacher, and the struggles of work / home life balance were discussed. Not only did I love and relate to Emilie, but can we talk about Rowan?! He is completely swoon-worthy and so, so compassionate. I couldn’t get enough of him. 😍

If I haven’t convinced you to read Here With You yet, here’s what you can expect:
🎡Dual POV
🦙Anxiety rep and therapy
🍩 Cinnamon roll MMC
🎡Love at first sight
🦙 Second chance romance
🍩Mature relationship - no third act breakup 🙌🏼
🎡 Slow burn with closed door romance
🦙HEA with the sweetest epilogue I’ve ever read
🍩Awesome friend group / found family

I’m definitely ordering a copy of this book. I loved the story, but the book itself is gorgeous too. This is one you’ll want to get your hands on!
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72 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2023
✨️💐💝Here With You by Tori L James💝💐✨️

💜🪻RELEASE DAY: September 30th🪻💜

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨️🍩read if you like:
- sunshine FMC x cinnamon roll MMC
- meet cute
- anxiety rep
- small town
- long distance relationship
- dual POV
- closed door


On a scavenger hunt to celebrate one of her best friends' upcoming wedding, Emilie has the best meet cute with a hottie called Rowan. They're perfect for each other, but Emilie is scared that her anxiety might ruin things between them.

Seeing Emilie's healing journey made me tear up so many times, but it was also magical to follow her on the road to find her shine again. What a strong and beautiful soul she is.

Girlies, I'm here to present you another book boyfriend who is the ultimate cinnamon roll, Rowan. He has the biggest heart. Everything about him screams green flag.

"𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘐'𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶."

"𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘶𝘱. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰."

I wish Magnolia Marsh was a real place, and i could move there and find my own Rowan.

I feel like this is THE book for everyone dealing with anxiety and to those who are yearning to be seen. Reading it felt like a comforting touch on a cloudy day.

The love and friendships in this book warmed my heart. Definitely earned a place on my comfort reads list.

Can't go without saying that i am absolutely in love with the cover.

Thank you so much to the author, Tori L James, for my eARC. 🩷
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