Into The Deep Blue

by Jennifer E. Archer

Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon’s The Sun is Also a Star and John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, Into the Deep Blue is Fiona and Nick’s achingly moving, wry, and hopeful tale about falling apart and coming together, told from two unforgettable points of view.

Nick and Fiona were meant to be friends―best friends―and they wouldn’t change that for the world. At least, that’s what they tell themselves. Because they can’t be an us. Nick doesn’t believe in happy endings ever since they both lost their moms unexpectedly senior year. And Fiona often wonders if all they have in common is their numb hearts. Still, they’re content to share everything else with each other. Honestly. Everything but sparks. But when Fiona accidentally lets her guard down more than she intended to with Nick, it threatens to ruin their fragile balancing act. Luckily, Nick isn’t about to let a little misunderstanding get in the way of the weekend trip they’ve been planning for months. Fiona is just hoping for some closure on the first anniversary of her mom’s death―except grief isn’t that simple, and choosing to love again isn’t, either. Now the only thing standing between Fiona and Nick is the truth. They just need the courage to reach for it.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Young Adult Romance, Young Adult Contemporary, Road Trip

304 pages, Hardcover

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

Jennifer is an author and screenwriter. She writes stories rooted in reality with just a hint of magic because what’s life without a little magic? Her stories are always full of adventure, heartache, and hope.

INTO THE DEEP BLUE, a YA contemporary romance, is her debut novel.

Jennifer won the 2022 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in screenwriting for her screenplay INTO THE DEEP BLUE which she adapted from her novel. You can follow her on Instagram @jennwrites

Reviews

[Lorena ♡ (semi-ia)]

update: i've been getting notifications of people liking this review, and i just gotta let you know it has outdated information. india is no longer part of this project. now sara waisglass will play fiona, the FMC

---
this is not only a best friends to lovers road trip romance with some angst and heartbreak but it'll also be played by damian hardung (from 'maxton hall') and india amarteifio (from 'queen charlotte') in its adaptation... i'm seated!!

[ari [gin’s vrsn 🩵] [semi ia] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

this was not my favorite thing in the world?? i’m neutral abt it so i’m not gonna be doing my whole shabang review bc i literally don’t feel anything positive or negative towards this book.

i think it’s probably bc i’m in a slump and nothing is hitting like it should rn (curse you poppy war), but this felt like it was dragging on. the only reason i finished it was bc i didn’t have my kindle or any books the other day and it’s short
also i’ve been trying to spend less time on social media this month lolll

anyway, just unremarkable and lwk wish i hadn’t read it bc i could have read smth that impacted me much more (either negatively or positively at least it had an impact)

anywayyyy peace out homies ✌️🥰

[Kimmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in just two days when I read it. It’s emotional, addicting, and beautifully written story about two young adults putting their life together after losing their mothers unexpectedly. What starts as an unlikely friendship slowly blossoms into something so much more.

I’ve always loved the friends-to-lovers trope, and this story delivers it in such a raw, tender, and realistic way. Their bond grows gradually and authentically, making their relationship all the more compelling.

If you love friends-to-lovers, slow burn romance, and emotionally rich stories about grief and healing, this is a must-read.

[jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story! It felt like a rollercoaster of emotions reading this. Nick and Fiona are absolutely everything. These two characters having gone through grief and finding the light with each other was so interesting to read. They both have experienced such a loss in their lives and reading this had me rooting for them to get their happy moments. I absolutely loved the best friends to lovers aspect of this book. Nick and Fiona have such great chemistry and I enjoyed their moments,even the ones that had my heart hurting. The angst, the pain, the strong feelings between them.. it’s all written so well. You really feel for this characters which makes a story even more amazing. I love Nick and Fiona so much and I know so many people will too!

[SJARR ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!
“Into the Deep Blue” is an emotional story filled with grief, healing, friendship and love.

I honestly had a hard time deciding how to rate and review this title. I genuinely thought the story was good, but it wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea. However, the messages here are great- and I can see how this could be a really special and beneficial to a lot of readers, especially young ones- so I do not want to deter anyone from reading it.

To start off, I think books centered around grief can always be challenging. It is such a subjective topic, and everyone experiences it in their own unique way. It is never a one-size fits all.
With that being said, I did enjoy this story- and the only reason I haven’t given it a higher rating is simply because I did not really connect with the way in which the main characters were experiencing their grief.
It is intense (understandably so), and the characters sort of go off the rails several times.
In no way am I saying that this is an improper response to having experienced a loss, but it made it a bit more difficult to me to read and relate to them.

There were some things here that I did like quite a bit though!
I thought the road trip idea was awesome. Traveling to a place that was special to Fiona’s mother, so that she was able to honor and feel connected to her on the university of her passing. This was beautiful and very sweet.

I liked Fiona and Nick, as friends and as a couple.
Their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship in a slow, but lovely way.
Having experienced a similar trauma, they were able to understand each other in ways that others could not. This gave them a special bond, and I loved seeing them support each other through things.
Bonus points to both of them for being so forgiving toward each other, even when they were going through bad moods and lots of low points. Again, part of them relating to one another in a unique way.

Overall, I think it is a special book, and there is certainly a place for it. Many readers would find this incredibly touching and emotional.

Thank you to Netgalley, Marble Press and author Jennifer E. Archer for providing me with the eARC of “Into the Deep Blue”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: September 30th, 2025

[vita ౨ৎ]

┊⤿ 🧁 ⌗ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: I JUST FOUND OUT THIS BOOK IS GETTING A FILM ADAPTATION!!!! alsooo, the male lead will be played by damian (the same actor who plays JAMES BEAUFORT in the maxton hall adaptation) AND THIS IS A DEBUT NOVEL. i have to read it asap 🏃🏼‍♀️

[Samantha Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an early copy of this novel.

Good books are entertaining, great books make you feel things. This is a great book. Fiona and Nick’s journey through tragedy, grief, family, friendships, and love are beautifully woven through this novel in a way that has the reader feeling like they are in the actual story. Life is messy and it’s heartbreaking, but this book reminds us that sometimes, through the heartbreak, we can find a little sunshine.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars, book so good I had to make a playlist about it immediately. Loved the perspective that grief isn't something to fix or get rid of. Even though it's painful it keeps us connected to the people we love. And ofc loved the teenage angst and romance <3


ARC from NetGalley!!

[Uththara Aseni Nandakumara · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Into the Deep Blue' is Jennifer E. Archer’s debut novel, published by Marble Press on September 30, 2025, and at just 161 pages (eBook), it manages to be as powerful as it is concise.

Falling under the YA contemporary romance genre, this story blends emotional depth with a hopeful calm, creating a reading experience that lingers long after the final page.

Told in a dual point of view, the novel follows Nick and Fiona. Their dynamic unfolds through the classic friends-to-lovers trope, with a hint of a love triangle, yet Archer avoids clichés. Instead, the romance feels grounded, intimate, and real—anchored in the very human struggles of grief, healing, and the complexities of family. Much of the story centers on Nick, his strained relationship with his father, and his quiet resilience as he navigates a support group and life after loss. His bond with Max, his young nephew, is one of the most touching aspects of the book—gentle, warm, and incredibly authentic.

The setting of Salem lends a homely, almost nostalgic quality to the narrative, while the tone remains contemplative throughout. Archer’s use of stream-of-consciousness narration makes the story addictive, as though readers are slipping into the characters’ minds and sharing their private reflections. The short chapters enhance this effect, offering breathing room for both characters and readers to process the weight of love, grief, and healing.

What stood out most to me is the believability of the plot and the characters. These are not idealized teenagers living in a heightened romance; they are flawed, thoughtful, and achingly human. Archer captures the ache of grief and the tenderness of companionship with remarkable skill, and the pace never feels rushed or dragging—it’s just right.
Fans of Abby Jimenez, Sally Rooney’s Normal People, John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, and even the meditative beauty of Studio Ghibli films like When Marnie Was There will find something to love here. There’s a quietness to Archer’s writing, a hopeful serenity that makes the story feel both soothing and emotionally resonant.

'Into the Deep Blue' is a beautiful, contemplative debut that promises Jennifer E. Archer is a voice to watch in YA fiction. Authentic, heartfelt, and ultimately uplifting, this book is a gift to readers who seek realism and warmth in contemporary romance.

5/5 🌟

[Minali Giani]

Queen Charlotte meets Maxton Hall???? omg can we get it now!

[Ifa Inziati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Marble Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are mine.

YA contemporary had its heyday about a decade back and I think it's time to get that spotlight again, perhaps starting from Into the Deep Blue. This book gives that nostalgic vibe of John Green's works with more updated stuff, including slangs and the way mental health is portrayed nowadays. It feels like coming home after a long journey and some part of the house has been renovated as if for growing up, but the photos and couches and kitchen's smell are still the same.

The dual POV, first person perspectives, and modern setting are easy to dive into. Both Fiona and Nick have their own distinctive voice and the story flows in even pace. Grief might be the initial trigger of their closeness, but I'm glad the romance part is built out of more solid foundation instead of making their bond merely a shared trauma. Their dynamics are fun and sweet; I could see where both of them slowly and naturally fall for each other. And what I liked about their friends-to-lovers journey is the friendship stays after romance, even if it's only a little portion.

While Fiona-Nick's relationship is handled respectfully, for me the best part is their relationship with each family and friends. It's not as easy as cut-off-and-move-on solution because everyone has their own personality and character development. I especially teared at Fiona and her dad's talk and Nick with his dad after an incident. Almost everything is neatly tied up in the end while the rest seems to be intentionally left hanging, and that's what makes the characters here feel human.

I didn't really have issues while reading this, except maybe one thing and honestly I would blame my expectation for this: I thought the road trip would be the biggest part of this story, but instead it started after first half of the book. Even so, it's still a fulfilling and important part. Also I thought that this book is based on the film scenario first, but turns out the script is adapted from the novel. I can see why it's doing well as a script—the writing style in here is already cinematic.

Into the Deep Blue is recommended for the readers who long for realistic YA books about hope, acceptance, and slow-burn romance. Can't wait for the movie adaptation!

[anonymous book addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Short, sweet, and absolutely beautiful. This book made me cry real tears.

I was completely drawn in by Nick and Fiona’s friendship. It felt raw, soft, and beautifully messy. The best-friends-to-lovers tension was so well done, and the way they leaned on each other through their grief felt incredibly real. I could feel the pain, the comfort, and the quiet love growing between them with every page. I was rooting for them with my whole heart.

What stood out most was how grief was handled. It was not treated as something that needed to be fixed or solved. It existed, it lingered, and the story showed how people learn to live with it while still allowing love to grow again. That message was deeply moving.

There was no over-the-top drama, no major plot twist, and it did not need any. It was simply about two people navigating life and love after loss. Gentle, emotional, and unforgettable.

Nick and Fiona now have a permanent place in my heart. 💙

[haidyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars to Into the Deep Blue. Entertaining story with characters you really feel for. Fiona and Nick had a nice dynamic, comfortable and genuine. Liked the message on not losing sight of yourself despite grief, allowing it to become a part of you rather than it overcoming you. Overall, this was a good read. Didn’t quite make it as a personal favorite, but still good.

Thank you to NetGalley, publishers, and the author for an ARC of this book.

[Sabrina Pisciotta]

This was an emotional, yet at times humorous, read about two teenagers navigating their grief. I absolutely flew through this, Nick and Fiona read as realistic relatable teenagers. They are figuring out not only who they are after the loss of loved ones, but how they fit together, and I appreciated that it focused on them in the present rather than who they used to be. Can't wait to share this one with my teens.

[Jackie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the Deep Blue is about Nick and Fiona who, as they navigate the sharp ache of loss, develop a deep, complex friendship. This debut is painfully consuming, and Archer surgically handles the topic of grief through the eyes of two heartbroken people who desperately seek connection while actively avoiding and, at times, sabotaging it. The chemistry between Nick and Fi is palpable, and the poetic prose that Archer uses to describe the fine line between yearning and grief is observational, calculating, and masterful. If you’re a fan of authors such as John Green and Nicola Yoon, you will fall in love with Into the Deep Blue and the beautiful way this book fearlessly wears its heart on its sleeve, how it maneuvers through heavy topics with precision and humor. I cried, I laughed out loud, and I will absolutely be reading this book again. I’m warning you now: clear your day when you get this book because you won’t be able to put it down.

[Valak · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to see Damian speaking in english

[Eva ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the deep blue Review
Stars: 4.5/5
Pages: 304
Spice: 1/5

In Into the deep blue we follow Fiona and Nick. They both lost their mom, and met each other through the therapy group their going to. This is so they feel better grieving. Nick and Fiona are best friends and share everything with each other. When Fiona lets her guard down it threatens to ruin the fragile balance between them. The little misunderstanding doesn’t get in the way of their weekend roadtrip to Monterey. Fiona is looking for answers except grieve is not simple and love isn’t either. Are Nick and Fiona able to love each other or is that also not simple?

I really, really liked this book. It was written so well I flew through it which I loved. I read it in about three days! I loved the double POV and reading how Nick and Fiona both dealt differently with grief. The road trip to Monterey was so fun to read about. I do have to say check trigger warnings cause there were some triggering things in the book and everyone reacts differently. Fiona’s dad was such a softy and how Nick and Fiona talked about him was not fair, he was so sweet! The fact that this book is becoming a movie with Damian Hardung and India Amarteifio is something I am soo excited for!!! I would definitely recommend this book if you want a deeper but sweet romance about people learning to love again through grief.

Thanks to Netgalley and Marble Press for this arc. This review is my own opinion.

[Sloane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew...I don't even know what to say. This was a lot. This book has been on my radar for a while, and I'm so glad I got an ARC. I haven't read this kind of genre in a while and it was interesting how the story was seemingly simple, but then sucks you in.

Nick. Nick is heavy. He's heavy and his inner monologue just breaks your heart then he makes you laugh. I love him. Full stop. Fiona holds her own too.

I definitely felt the friendship, like it wasn't non-stop 'I want you' vibes, it was just some subtle perfect moments. That line was walked so well and I'm still trying to figure out how it was done to come off that way.

I don't want to spoil, but there were two moments with his sister toward the end that were so good and resonated hard. There are many sides to humans, and that was done well here.
I loved it. Thanks to Marble Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Carolina Bastos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started I could not drop this book for even a minute. It took me less than a day to finish. I cried so many times that I was dehydrated by the end. I loved how showed that grief can be different for everyone.
Talking about the relationship side, May is the worst kind a friend someone can have and honestly? Nick is not much better, at least not until he got called out
Fiona is such a good person, I wanted to protect her
It was also amazing to see the develpment of the characters during the year

[raiha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really nice read. I love how the story revolves around grief but it doesn't take over the whole book. We get nice and sweet moments with Nick and Fiona while also getting a look inside their heads. Nick and Fiona were both each other's comforts, I loved knowing how they decided to deal with the whole "best friends for sure but do we really LOVE each other". As someone who doesn't like friends to lovers, this sure did hit the spot.

[Tatum Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

the john green nostalgia HIT with this one

[aga]

it's giving John Green, in a good way

[Jessica Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and all of its perspectives towards grief. It was interesting to see it from so many different POVs (child, spouse, people in group grief setting) it was very in depth towards that theme. It felt very heartfelt.

[Nikola &#x1f308; · Rating 4 out of 5]

Into The Deep Blue instantly pulled me into its world, and I devoured it in just a few sittings. The dual perspective and first-person narration worked beautifully—both Fiona and Nick had distinct voices, which added a sense of authenticity to the story. I enjoyed watching their gradual connection unfold, and I appreciated that their relationship wasn’t built solely on shared trauma but on a genuine emotional bond.

The slow burn romance was exceptionally well done—there was a constant tension between them, yet nothing felt forced. Family dynamics were also portrayed with depth and care. The story flows smoothly, set in a modern backdrop with realistic character dynamics, making it a touching and engaging read.

At times, I only wished that certain scenes had more emotional depth. Some moments that deserved more space felt a bit rushed. Still, it's a beautifully written love story with heart, warmth, and great emotional pacing.

[Optimus Prime]

I am so glad I was stalking Damian's Instagram after being obsessed with Maxton Hall because it led me to this interesting piece! I'm very excited to read this by itself, and it's such a huge plus I can watch the movie right after with some A-MAH-ZING people <3.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

(Big thanks to NetGalley, the author Jennifer Archer, and Marble Press for the chance to read this ahead of its published date.)

A brave and beautiful book.

Into the Deep Blue is a coming of age story about loss, the strength of friendship, and realizing that the hardest thing about growing up is learning to let go. It’s brilliant, raw, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at the same time. And in its quietest moments is where the beauty lies– the idea that life and love can be born from something like grief.

Nick and Fiona are the heart of the story. Their friendship is the anchor from the first page to the end. Connected by the shared pain of losing a parent, they learn how to live life after loss almost like surfacing after a year underwater. Their banter, the irresistible push and pull between them, and the affection is so present in Archer’s writing. As a romance reader, I know what it feels like when you get the “feels” about the book’s two leads, and I genuinely was rooting for them throughout the chapters.

Reading this story as an adult was inescapably nostalgic. You know the feeling of driving down to the beach with friends just to watch the sunset? It could be a cold December day but the reward is the view. This story captured the highs and aches of growing up. It transported me back to scenes of hanging out in bedrooms and watching movies on laptops with your favorite person, the insecurities (plenty), the shared anxiety of the future… it hit every memorable feeling that everyone knows before university life. Nick is a young man trying to convince the world he doesn’t care, while Fiona’s spirit burns brightly. But yet, they’re both hurting. It takes time, but we watch them both brave the storm of facing adulthood and the best thing about it is we see them do it together.

As a proud Californian, born and raised, the road trip Nick and Fiona take was a special shoutout to the state I call home. The journey they take to a point where the forgiving sea meets jagged coastline felt like the perfect place for two souls to discover that there can still be peace where there is pain.

After finishing this story, I understood. I get why the author channeled the element of water for a subject that is so universal. For Nick and Fiona, grief at times could feel boundless like the sea, as bottomless as the ocean. But grieving is also brave.

There are moments that broke my heart, moments that took my breath away. This book will make you laugh, cry, believe in love, and for those who have lost, it will make you brave to hope again.

Special Note: As a huge fan of Damian Hardung, I came to learn about this book, which he will star as Nick in the adaptation. I cannot wait to see him bring light to this character! (Filming starts Spring 2026)

Vibes: coming of age - young love - surviving loss- road trip romance - Pacific Coast- beach sunsets

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I would like to extend my gratitude to Jennifer Archer, Marble Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review “Into the Deep Blue” prior to its release date! I first became interested in the story when I found out that it was not only a book, but started off as a screenplay that is now on its way to becoming an actual film.

I always loved reading book to movie adaptations, especially due to my passion of writing and interest in the television/film industry, so “Into the Deep Blue” was right up my alley! With correlating a book and a movie, the book serves as a “guide-map” to gaining a more in-depth analysis of the characters. This enhances the film-viewing experience, as those who read the book will have additional insight on the characters and their interpersonal thoughts.

At the beginning of “Into the Deep Blue”, Nick and Fiona are portrayed as friends who met in group therapy for grief counseling, and love each other in a non-romantic way. Their worlds revolved around each other and they went out of their way to spend as much time with one another as possible, especially on their trip to Monterey.

I found the book to be very relatable in the simplest ways to young adults such as myself. Two moments that stood out to me were when Fiona looked at Nick’s “Notes” app on his phone to see if he had drafted anything that could help her get to know him better. Ironically, I am compiling this review through my own “Notes” app, and many other young adults my age utilize it to vent, organize information, or even just leave themselves reminders.

Another “real” moment that caught my attention is when Fiona’s friend asked Nick out of the blue how his mom died. Fiona was mortified and tried to redirect the conversation, just as I would have. I have had friends in the past who did not have a filter and would just say whatever was on their mind, whether it could be seen as offensive or not. I could just imagine how irritated and embarrassed Fiona was when her friend asked Nick about his mom. My “inner monologue” in my head was saying “Please stop talking!“.

In a lot of Young Adult novels, after the primary conflict occurs between the two main characters, who also happen to be each others’ love interests, it is usually predictable for me as a reader to expect when the couple would reconcile.

Usually there is a disagreement, trust is broken, life goals differentiate, and after some period of time, one of the main characters musters up the courage to talk to the other, and they realize how important they are to each other and then go off and live “happily ever after”, but in all honesty, that is not realistic and has been a pattern in numerous Young Adult books and movies.

“Into the Deep Blue” took a creative and unique approach that differed from the typical sequence of events seen in Young Adult novels. Due to this, I was always “on my toes” as to when Fiona and Nick would have their moment where they would make up, or if they even would.

Nick and Fiona would put a “pause” on their friendship from time to time throughout the story and later reconcile after the smaller conflicts that they faced, but with one chapter of the book left and the primary conflict seeming unresolved, I honestly did not know if Nick and Fiona would ever get to that point where they could confidently say that they both loved each other and weren’t together only because of the death of their moms.

Although I am not going to reveal what Nick and Fiona’s lives look like at the end the of “Into the Deep Blue”, I will say that the conclusion between each character was timed perfectly and did not come off as abrupt whatsoever.

Overall, I would rate “Into the Deep Blue” a 5 out of 5. It is important to show how the grieving process involves anger and curiosity in addition to sadness, and this story did just that. The book was well-written and also realistic in regard to how young adults process grief and love, which is immensely beneficial in today’s day and age.

Thank you again for the opportunity to read “Into the Deep Blue” before it hits shelves, and I am looking forward to seeing how this beautiful story plays out as a film!

-Olivia

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

**received as an advance copy from the publisher

I admitted a while back that I have a soft spot for contemporary YA romance novels, as long as they have quality characters, a unique framework, and enough attitude to make them stand out from the crowd, but I’m always still hesitant when picking up a new one because of the genre’s oversaturation and general lack of quality control. Thankfully, I’m nudged to give some books more of a chance when they’re sent to me by the publishers (they get a 50 page DNF rule rather than a 25), and I end up getting hooked into the characters enough to keep me engaged until they get their happily ever after. Archer’s debut novel is one that doesn’t market itself as romance, but instead hides behind a tale anchored in the ongoing grief of its two protagonists and wrapped in a cover and title that I immediately assumed was fantasy rather than realism. And yet, the story reveals itself to stand on solid ground, as we see a dual narrative play out between two best friends who are each trying to cope with the loss of a respective parent and unexpectedly falling in love. We may have come to see if the story was a considerate and meaningful exposé on grief (which I would say it was), but we definitely stayed for the achingly slow burn love story that Archer uses to elevate the story away from being a total sob-fest. Life can go on, even after loss, and the tale delves into the deep blue of unspoken family drama, the unexpected joys of self-discovery, and the complicated challenges of rebuilding a life. I could definitely tell that this was Archer’s debut novel (the pacing and language was not quite as flowing as it could be), but her storytelling and character building are high quality, and I definitely want to keep an eye out for her next books.

[☾ ashlee ༉‧₊˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

though i'm not one for central-ish romance, this was surprisingly extremely pleasant to read. loved the way the whole 'best friends in love with each other' was written here. it's realistic yet sweet how Fiona and Nick really cared for each other yet were afraid of confronting their feelings.

both Fiona and Nick are great characters. while they have amazing chemistry together, i like how they also stood strong individually. their struggles make you empathize and relate to them, and you can't help but root for them and hope they have a happy ending. both of their POVs were a pleasure to read, which i feel like is a rarity nowadays when it comes to books involving more than one POV.

how grief and struggling to come to terms with the loss of a family member was handled really well, and i liked how Fiona and Nick slowly healed not just together but also with their respective family members to have closure and move on. this story reminds us how grief isn't something that one overcomes the next day, and that's okay.

although i was actually expecting their road trip to be the central setting of the story from reading the blurb, i stilled very much enjoyed this. there were a few scenes that i felt were a little contrived, but overall i didn't find this boring at all. the author does a good job at ensuring that every scene and dialogue had a purpose.

big thanks to Jennifer E, Archer, Marble Press, and NetGalley for an eArc in exchange for an honest review!

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star read. Into the Deep Blue was a refreshingly honest tale of loss, friendship and love. Alongside the honesty in Archer's words, came a rawness of feeling I have experienced with few other books. Nick and Fiona as characters are nuanced and developed, giving the reader a true sense of life and soul within the pages. The topics explored throughout this novel are rough and intimate, a reflection of how unique thoughts and feelings can be; yet how powerful a genuine, natural friendship can break through the clouds. The underlying theme of healing throughout Blue is uplifting, however the strength of the story will have your walls breaking down to hold Nick and Fiona in your heart. Working through the uncertainties of what life means after loss is a messy, trodden path, yet Archer is able to present the realities of being a young adult in this situation authentically and sensitively. Archer perfectly captured a youthful spirit and sentiment through inner dialogue, spoken dialogue and magical descriptions of Nick and Fi's feelings. The dual narrative giving space to settle into the respective minds and engage with their point of view gifted us the treat of having a front row seat to the friends falling in love with each other, a beautiful reminder that even in grief, we are enough.
A spectacularly heartfelt and sincere Contemporary YA novel that I will be recommending to as many people as possible.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.