Drew Thomas has worked hard to get to where she is. A new teacher trying to balance work and life, resisting the urge to fall back into patterns of the past. She focuses most of her time on her students as she continues to find her groove during her second year of teaching. And, she finally feels like she's finding her way when someone uninvited turns her "happy place" into a reminder of the worst day of her life. Drew lives above Emmett Ryan, an older, newly-single bartender. After his bad breakup, Emmett's patience is low, and he's quick to anger, making him a hard neighbor to please. Emmett finds every possible excuse to let Drew know when she's bothering him, secretly liking the way their interactions fluster her. After a few months of trying to break through Emmett, Drew finally decides to give up, coming to the conclusion that he doesn't like her and never will. That is until Emmett comes across Drew in a time of need and shows her a side to him she never thought was there. Their relationship goes from neighbors to something more, their intense and passionate love blooming from an unspeakable tragedy and the shared understanding of what it means to recover in the aftermath of everything you thought you knew being ripped away.
Katy is the indie author based in Milwaukee. Her favorite trope is forced proximity, and she is a firm believer that found families are the best families.
Lover of all things romance, pop punk, tattoos, anime, rainy days, matcha, and her husband, Katy’s purpose for writing is to remind readers that you are deserving of the love you read about.
When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, or adding to her never-ending TBR.
First, let's take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous purple cover! What a lovely debut! I really enjoyed the romance between Drew and Emmett while also addressing some more serious topics.
Drew and Emmett are neighbors and Drew's teacher schedule has her waking up early each day. Despite doing her best to be quiet, she tends to make noises loud enough to annoy her downstairs neighbor, Emmett. He's the grumpy downstair neighbor who likes to tease Drew every time they run into each other in the elevator. He's also dealing with his own internal battles after a bad breakup and lingering tragedy in his family.
Drew is in her second year of teaching and finally finding her groove but halfway through the school year something terrible happens and her happy place no longer feels safe. After the tragedy, Drew and Emmett slowly shift from neighbors to something more, finding comfort in each other when they need someone the most.
I loved how Emmett while wanting to help Drew, wasn't an overpowering or over possessive guy. He was sweet and understanding of what Drew was going through, wanting to do what was actually best for her and listening to her when she wanted space or needed something from him. He was a cutie as well with all his tattoos, all black wardrobe and man bun.
Drew was an extremely strong character and I really admire her and relate to her. She is someone I feel like I would have loved to have had as a teacher when I was little. Plus, I loved that she was a book girlie.
I do think everyone should be aware of the content warnings before reading this one! The tragedy referenced in the blurb (and I don't consider this a spoiler) is there is a shooting at Drew's school. When I was in high school there was a shooting at my school, so I understand and experienced the scariness and anxiety that comes after. I know this is a sensitive topic for some as well.
I can't wait to read more from Katy! This book hints at stories for 4 other couples and I'm excited to read about them all.
“I want nothing more than to get to know each and every part of you.”
I think if I read this is a day or two I will have liked it more, but that’s how I feel about contemporary romances in general - if I don’t read them quick my interest dwindles. The story was cute and had me reading half of it one day because I was hooked on the blooming relationship!
And like with most contemporary romance books, I really dislike music pop culture references.
I know this is the author’s first book (I would read others) but there were a lot of typos and grammatical errors that I noticed towards the end.
firstly, thank you to the sweetest katy michele for a copy of this book!
giving me butterflies was a breath of fresh air to read. the romance was sweet and vulnerable, while also having the best banter and tension.
my favorite thing was by far how grief and trauma was handled. in todays day and age, unfortunately school shootings grow more and more prevalent, and the trauma that follows was written so well, it truly captured the raw and real pain that such trauma leave in its wake. it was dealt with such tenderness and awareness, i found myself tearing up constantly. that being said- make sure to read the content warnings before diving into this book because it definitely deals with heavier topics.
and on the other hand, there was the romance! drew and emmett craft the most perfect relationship ever. they are neighbours, he's a swoony yet grumpy bartender, shes a clumsy yet kind school teacher. their relationship has my two literal favorite tropes, which is probably why i loved it so much: enemies to lovers and forced proximity.
i loved drew for her relatability and her strength. i immediately connected with her character and shes just incredibly relatable with some of the things she says, i found myself constantly tabbing her quotes. emmett has that classic grumpy exterior, but on the inside and once you really get to know him he has a sweet/soft side that you are easily drawn to.
them two together made for such a great read. their relationships progression felt so totally natural and just meant to be. the way they care for each other was so lovely to read and somehow its the perfect balance of everything- sweetness and spice- that makes for a wonderful story.
This book is an absolute GEM in the adult contemporary romance, perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover!
We follow the story of Drew, a 6th grade teacher who’s social life consists mostly of her 24 students.. well, and one persistent ex-boyfriend that she can’t seem to shake off, and let’s not forget the brooding, tattooed 6ft tall downstairs neighbour who always seem to find a way to get her hot & bothered. 👀🔥
the characters are the absolute highlight of this book!! Drew and Emmett’s dynamic is so uplifting to read, their connection is seamless, their romance is slow burn and the tension is leaking off the pages. These two have both suffered through trauma and in each other they find home. ❤️🥹 this book gave me all the heartwarming feels 😍
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy for review
It was cute, I didn't love the choice the author used to instigate the caring in the neighbor, it felt kind of cheap and put a bad taste in my mouth. I liked the build up of the FMC until that point, but she fell kind of flat for me after that.
I didn’t have my expectations from this book mostly because I’ve never heard anyone talk about it and just happen to fall on it on Instagram and I was honestly pleasantly surprised. for a book that deals with heavier topics, I thought there was a good blend between sweet and spicy and emotional. the couple has a progression that made sense and was realistic for their situation, I really liked both these characters for they were each relatable in their own relative ways. the pacing was good and keeps you wanting to flip the pages, and there a decent mix of frustrating and happy moments that also keeps you wanting to turn the page.
there were definitely some moments where there was a lot of talking vs doing, especially with the mmc, and I was just waiting for him to get out of his head and act on his thoughts. and I was not at all a fan of the third act breakup, while I know where the feelings of doubt came from for the fmc, I found she spiralled too quickly and then simultaneously got over it quickly, though she waited four weeks to reach out to the mmc. if not for the the breakup, this would have been rated higher, which honestly I’ll take because it makes me confident I’ll like the authors future books. there’s also a heavy emphasis on ex’s in this book, this is totally a personal opinion, I just don’t like when exes play such a big role in books.
overall, there were just so many swoon worthy moments in this book, and the proposal at the end was the cherry on that cake. really excited to read more from this series.
I bought it to support a local author and finished it because I felt bad knowing this was someone’s baby. But lord it needed an editor. Paced really poorly and fell into the miscommunication trap romance novels fall into. I was also annoyed by the multiple pop culture references, they detracted a lot from the story. I didn’t need to read about vans shoes as much as I did. Literally every chapter.
I also will say that characters popped in and out with no introduction and that made it hard to keep track of who the everyone was. Someone named Mia was mentioned at the end and maybe I missed it but she did not really exist before that mention.
The school shooting plot line was… distasteful at best. I know the author was a teacher but the way she handled it wasn’t my favorite. Some might disagree with that take but having that kind of event take second fiddle to a romance felt a little icky to me. (Didn’t impact my rating just something I personally didn’t like as a fellow educator)
Overall I think this author has potential in the genre but would like to see her get an editor that is a little more honest with her about what needs fixing.
First of all... I was totally not expecting this book to cover the topics that it did. I knew there was a tragedy aspect to this story but the one Katy covers was so raw and touching because it is an ongoing tragedy happening far too often. I don't want to say too much because it will give away the story but just know that Katy has used her passion for teaching, children, and important topics to gracefully educate readers on what it is like to be a teacher in today's world. The story itself was so touching to me because the relationship Drew and Emmett develop displays what it is really like to date after experiencing any sort of trauma. I found parts of my heart being healed by Emmett's actions even though he is fictional, it was just refreshing to read what it looks like to be treated with love, understanding, and healthy concern. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is looking to swoon over the broody main male character who becomes a puddle when he meets his love interest. I am really excited for the next book in this universe and to see the overlap of Drew and Emmett with Mia and Eddie!
Bleh, not really my cup of tea. The plot was basically nonexistent for the latter half of the book, hence lots of skimming. Yes, I’m going to say that the end/the climax or whatever, wasn’t anything, because I dislike it when one of the MC’s get insecure about nothing and leave. But then they come back like a few weeks later.🤷♀️ Also, I can appreciate that the main characters have a different style and vibe than myself but at some point, it just gets a bit cliché. I mean they were wearing vans, dyed hair, male top knot, band T-shirts, black ripped jeans, and tattoos, listening to punk music… a bit overkill no?
(Please make sure to check the TW before reading!!)
Reading about Drew and Emmett’s story and how they went from neighbors who bickered, to becoming each others safe places to heal their own wounds, while also falling in love??? Absolutely amazing 😭
So glad i took a chance on this book, and i can’t wait for book two coming out soon!!!
Did not finish. As soon as I got the spot where he kissed here then his ex interrupts and he lets her caress his cheek, I was out. Made me feel like the whole relationship with the MC was a rebound and not genuine. Up until that point I enjoyed the writing, but the ex being involved, even for just that one scene, wasnt for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
First of all, AINT NO WAY this bitch’s favorite band was Escape the Fate. Absolutely no one’s favorite band is Escape the Fate. This book was released far too recently for a Ronnie Radke mention in ANY positive light.
Anywayyyyyy, alt music commentary aside, this was a really solid book. Lots of real talk about ptsd and trauma that I thought was really well rounded. This book definitely isn’t for everyone that’s for sure. I mean the trigger warnings are there for a very good reason.
I think these characters do have genuine care for each other and seeing how they were briefly in the next series was nice.
This was beautiful and lovely and so very special. The depiction of Drew’s anxiety mirrors mine and I related to her so much. The ending was absolutely perfect and both Drew and Emmett deserve the whole world.
Key Tropes: 💕 Forced Proximity 🦋 ENEMIES TO LOVERS 💜 💕 Grumpy/Sunshine 🦋 He Falls First 💕 Trauma Bonding/Understanding
Characterization: I don’t think I have ever found a character I identify with more than the FMC, Drew. She’s been through some sh*t, loves teaching, and has the best taste in music. Every millennial teacher must read this book, BUT there’s some intense TWs - so read first. Mental health above all else. Emmett is probably my new favorite book boyfriend, and I don’t find too many men to be super swoon worthy, but when someone knows how to respond to someone’s trauma and doesn’t dismiss it, gosh, that’s the best thing.
Plot/Storyline: Holy crap. The prologue. I knew because of the trigger warnings, but I also know because I’m a teacher in modern day America. The intensity, the love, the passion, and the simple everyday struggles are so well depicted in this story. To the person who thought this book was “boring” - you embody the sentiment of desensitization discussed in chapter 10. I was on edge. The tension, the angst, the ANXIETY. It’s real.
Writing Style: GOD THE ACCURACY IN THIS BOOK. I’m not rating books with stars, but as a teacher I give my students smelly stickers when they do impeccable work. This book deserves a million good smelling stickers for the sarcasm, wit, and on the nose depictions of teaching in modern day. I found myself highlighting and snapping at more lines than I have in some time. I laughed. I chuckled. I fumed. I don’t cry when reading (don’t judge me), but I was feeling all the feels with this book.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Recommend: RESOUNDING yes. This book will now be one of the few I consistently and frequently recommend to readers needing a book to help them out of a slump.
💕 Katy Michele - let me know when ARCs open for the second in the series!! IM IN 💕
I read this in two sittings because I honestly just could not put it down. It was definitely heavier than I was expecting (check the trigger warnings), but Katy handled very serious topics in such a beautiful, tender way. And she managed to weave a swoon worthy and sexy romance into the fold. I am impressed and will be reading everything else she writes!
Bonus points that she is local to me, and I was able to meet her over the weekend at Romance Con shortly after having finished the book. She was so, so kind and amazing.
Also, let’s give a round of applause for the gorgeous cover art! 👏
My overall rating is 4.75⭐️!
Update 9/23/24: I’ve sat on it for a few weeks, and I cannot get this book out of my head. I’m changing my review to 5⭐️ for that alone.
2.5 ⭐️ and 2.5 🌶️ The characters are interesting to say the least. The school shooting plot line was not handled well at all. BOY DID IT NEED AN EDITOR. The male lead was interesting for a book that gave both POV’s it badly touched on who the male lead actually is. I get the author is a teacher in real life and it’s terrifying having to go to work everyday with the thought of school shootings happening and could happen where you work, I know those thoughts as a follow teacher, but the way this story handled it felt pushed aside and just brushed it as a throw away.