Keep in Touch

by Rebecca Chase

Lucie is an anxious seventeen-year-old struggling with anxiety attacks, painfully low self-esteem and loneliness while trying to live up to the expectations of her controlling dad, who has mapped out her entire future. But it’s not the future she wants. One weekend, she meets Chris “with the beautiful green eyes and dimples when he smiles”. He’s a charming high school graduate with a bad reputation who couldn’t possibly be interested in someone like her. Chris makes Lucie feel alive like she never has before, and the two become inseparable. Lucie starts to fall for Chris and wonders if he feels the same way about her. But they’re torn apart before confessing their feelings for one another. Eight years later, they bump into each other by total coincidence. As the story flips between past and present, Lucie and Chris relive the memories of their weekend and hash out what exactly went wrong between them. They both feel the romantic connection from that weekend years ago. Will they have a chance at a future together? Or are their feelings better left in the past? Fans of Jenny Han, and of One Day by David Nicholls will enjoy this dual-timeline sweet coming-of-age romance featuring second chance, first love, and forbidden love tropes and anxiety representation.

Genres: Romance

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2024

About the author

Rebecca Chase is an English rose and a pocket rocket with a taste for drama, romance, love and sex. She adores writing, whether it’s a short story with unexpected passion or a novel that takes you through the ups and downs of a blossoming relationship. She’s always looking for everyone’s next book boyfriend. When it comes to her stories you can guarantee there will be romance, there will be love, and most of all, there will be mind-blowing sex. You’ll be desperate for more while aching for a happy ever after.

Find her on Threads, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Goodreads.

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW TO COME!!!!!!!

[Liloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐ read. ARC

This cute story follows Lucie and Chris. They meet each other on a holiday weekend and spend some time together. They develop feelings for each other. But on all good things comes an end.
They don´t speak each other for years and go on with their lives but still think about each other very often.

Lucie is currently dating someone else but not that serious. Lucie was since a younger age struggling with mental health issues and anxiety attacks. That was something Chris helped her with in the past.

But can they recandle their old flame?
Find out and read this cozy sweet romance book.

Everything that was written about mental health issues and anxiety attacks was very well written! I could relate to the main character very well with own issues i've struggled with in the past.
You can definitely see that a lot of time and effort has been put into this story!

- Dual timeline
- They're both outsiders
- Noughties nostalgia
- Sweet romance
- She's grumpy, he's sunshine
- Anxiety attacks& mental health
- Opposites attract
- Second chance
- Forbidden love
- First love

Note: i received this arc in exchange for my honest opinion

[Elizabeth Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely sweet romance that I would recommend :)

What a sweet romance! I loved the concept of Lucie and Chris bumping into each other years later. The story goes back in time to show us the weekend they spent together in their teenage years. With many hurdles in their way, Lucie and Chris haven't spoken since that weekend eight years ago. The story is told from Lucie's POV and we know that she has never forgotten Chris - in fact that weekend spent with him changed her entire life. I enjoyed the pacing of the story as we discovered what happened to part them.

I also really loved Lucie's character. The author has done a wonderful job portraying Lucie's anxiety. It felt as though I was going through it with her. Also, Lucie's father was awful! Rebecca Chase has done a wonderful job creating such a horrible character who felt so life like.

A lovely sweet romance that I would recommend :)

[💌 karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3 ✰

A super sweet, wholesome YA romance. ((thank you to NetGalley for providing the arc!))

Beginning with the positives: a younger me would have absolutely loved this book. It really delivered on the sweet coming-of-age romance that was promised. This had amazing mental health representation throughout with ADHD, anxiety, etc. I found myself relating to the younger version of Lucie a lot throughout, and it was really amazing to see her grow into herself and her confidence more by the end of the story. Chris was an absolute sweetheart, I couldn't imagine a better first love for Lucie.

The few parts of this that I enjoyed less:
- Really long paragraphs throughout and long chunks of dialogue, made the pacing a bit slow
- The characters were supposed to be 17/18, but their dialogue didn't really match this.
- So many rhetorical questions, which I understood were somewhat characterizing Lucie and her uncertainty within herself; but I think this would have come across smoother had it been 1st person.

My biggest thing with this book was that I think it would have been much better served by being a 1st person, longer story - maybe even a dual POV with Lucie and Chris. I felt like the book was somewhat of an overview of their relationship and the time they'd spent apart, rather than the actual story of it all itself. I would have enjoyed reading about the 8 years that Lucie and Chris spent apart in more depth from each of their POVs, rather than it feeling like a skimmed-over, retelling.

For this being advertised as a YA book, I think the intended audience would enjoy it! It was just a little too YA for my taste.

[Maliyah F · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC read this book.

It’s a cute little second chance romance about meeting when you’re both young and then rekindling 8 years later. I think if I had read this book when i was younger, I would’ve really liked it, but reading it at the age I am now, it felt very middle school/high school in the dialogue/plot/conflict. Some of the dialogue was stiff in the beginning as the world building and character building was occurring. Still a cute romance, just not for me.

[agggt_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you netgalley for providing me with this arc!!💗

okayy.. was this book a bit cheesy, corny and sometimes cringe? kinda yeah. but was it also everything i needed and more? definitely YES. so i'm rating this book 5/5⭐ and no one can stop me🙂

- quick synopsis -
this book showcases the present lucie and chris and their first meeting 8 years ago.
they first meet at a vacation spot when chris kicks a ball right in front of lucie thus getting sand in her eyes and mouth. they bond over lucie's drawing skills and spend the entire weekend together, falling in love super fast, even though her father doesn't allow it (or basically anything lucie does). 8 years later they run into each other, grab a drink and discuss what happened the weekend they met and come to the conclusion that they never actually stopped being in love.🌸
--~

this book was the cutest thing i've ever read!!✨

they were both quite different characters but completed each other so well. chris was such a sweetheart always complimenting lucie, helping her feel more confident and comforting her through her anxiety attacks.🌷

lucie was an extremely relatable character to me with her constant overthinking, fears and inner thoughts. i felt so bad for her because her father was honestly the worst and i'm honestly glad that she cut contact with him.☁

i loved how much they both impacted each other's lives even though they weren't in contact through the 8 years.

the zip line scene was written so nicely.. you could feel lucie feeling the freedom she's probably never really felt before and i really enjoyed reading her excitement

such an adorable read and i'm excited to explore more from the author!!

[Librina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished diving into “Keep In Touch” by the wonderful Rebecca Chase and let me tell you, it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day!

This lovely book takes us on a journey through time, bouncing between the past and present, giving us all those nostalgic feels. If you’re a fan of Jenny Han’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” you might want to pick up this one!

Chase truly has a knack for bringing characters to life, especially our leading lady, Lucie. Her struggles with anxiety felt so real and relatable, like she was whispering her innermost thoughts just to me. And the way Chase handles mental health themes is both gentle and impactful, reminding us of the power our words hold.

‼️Just a heads-up, though: if you’re sensitive to these topics, take care as you dive in.‼️

Now, let’s talk pace! This isn’t a race —it’s a leisurely stroll down memory lane, where every page feels like a cozy chat with an old friend. Perfect for those who want to soak up every detail of those awkward, heart-fluttering teenage years. And it’s not just for teens—this book has a timeless charm that anyone craving a sweet, quick romance will adore.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Rebecca Chase for the ARC!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis: Lucie and Chris meet on vacation and their connection is immediate. That weekend doesn't end as they expect, but when they run into each other eight years later, can they get it right this time?

My take: This book about young love seriously pulled at my heartstrings. Lucie and Chris are on vacation when they meet, and they are exactly what each other needs at that exact moment. Lucie is struggling to manage her anxiety, something she hides from most people in her life, and that makes her feel alienated from others her age. She doesn't expect that the hot popular guy she sees on the beach will want anything to do with her, but he sees her strength even though she can't. And Lucie takes him seriously, seeing a future for him that the others in his life don't think he's capable of.

As someone with anxiety, I loved the representation of Lucie's anxiety. It was so well done -- from the thoughts Lucie has about herself to the way some people don't understand to those who do and accept her as she is.

If you're looking for a sweet romance that will make your heart happy definitely pick this one up!

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the start, Lucie is on her way home from a job interview for her dream job where it didn’t go to plan. She’s upset at her blunder
and how she is going to dump her boyfriend Bradley that evening. This brings her round to thinking about her first love Chris and with an hour to wait for her train, she decides to visit an old cafe where she unexpectedly runs into Chris.

The book is told with dual timelines so you get to see how Lucie and Chris first met at a holiday park but also where they are in the current day. Young Lucie was always trying to keep her father happy even if that meant being unhappy herself but Chris gets her to open up and start being more herself. This plays a big part in who she is now and where she has ended up in life.

Teenage Lucie reminded me of myself and i thought this was a really sweet romance. I enjoyed getting to watch Lucie come out of her shell as she spent more time with Chris and learn to stand up for herself and what she wants. The mental health representation was well done. I would love to have a continuation to see where Lucie and Chris are after their reunion!

Rating 4/5 stars ⭐️ ARC from NetGalley

[tals · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a super cute read, I would say it gives off YA vibes but the old romantic in me truly loved it. I picked the perfect time to read it as it has me feeling all the feels in time for Valentine’s Day.
I found Lucie’s anxiety struggles really relatable and I thought the author done a great job approaching this subject and just a special mention for the playlist at the start of the book, any playlist with S Club 7 on is an instant hit for me.
I laughed, cried, danced and even discovered some new songs to add my own arsenal.

⭐️ 4 STARS
———————
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

[Iara Ribeiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Keep in Touch is the cutest teenager romance.
The adult me didn’t love it. But I’m totally sure the teen me would had. My review will meet both mes 😅 because I cannot be unfair to the youngest of my readers that I know will love to read it.
The story is very complete, full of details that will transport you to their side, I loved this attention to detail. I like the dual timeline (past vs present), was not very fan of the amount of time spent on each day, but I understand why.
There’s strong reference to anxiety attack and psychological abuse.

If you're a hopeless romantic
Cannot forget your love crush, please read it it's really cute.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keep in Touch is a cute romance! Being a girl who's almost in her 30's, I didn't particularly love it as much as I wanted too though and that made me a little sad! It was hard to stick with compared to some of the other romance books I've read. Now, young Taylor would have gobbled this shit up and talked about it for days. It was adorable in it's own ways. Personally for someone who use to have bad anxiety/panic attacks in highschool, I think this is a great read I'll keep in mind to recommend to anyone who has a daughter possibly going through the same issues.

[Annie✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely for Young Adults, because the story is about 17/18 year old. The story was cute and shows importance of looking after your mental health.

Some of the parts seem to drag on and I had to put the book down a few times, because I couldn’t get into the story properly, but overall it was a good read.

Younger audience will definitely enjoy it a lot more.

It was also well written.

[Joana Almeida · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

I wish this book was longer. The story was so good but it felt a bit rushed towards the end, specially those last 2 chapters. I loved Lucie and Chris, they were the cutest and Lucie's dad deserves to die in hell!

This was a very good book but it could be great if it had just 100 more pages...

[Natalia · Rating 1 out of 5]

uhhh i hate when that happens, look maybe its a me problem😭 but this book in one word was MEH. it was not my type of writing and the characters were cringy to me and idk it felt like they were 10yo children. the title of the book tied in nicely? thats a plus? and yh what else.. the sex thing was done weird OH AND THE KISS.. my just- dont write a kiss scene LIKE HITTING HIM IN THE FACE??

[J.L. Peridot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful second chance romance. After meeting as teenagers in a holiday park, the couple are ripped apart by frustrating life circumstances. Rebecca Chase nailed the characters, and all I wanted was for Lucie to overcome those sadly too-relatable obstacles between her and happiness. This lovely novel will hit the right notes for lovers of sweet romance with strong threads of family drama.

[Caitlyn Woodall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt this book was very slow paced but I enjoyed the ending. Them bumping into each other and then having their happy ending was so cute. I enjoyed the end. I wouldn’t reread though! I hope you all enjoy her new release! Slow burn romance.

[Anna Goudeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, quick read! It is very age appropriate for teens and has a lot of great lessons about mental health and how much our words matter. And I loved getting to see how much the characters had grown over the 8 years.

[Sarah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly beautiful second chance romance! The love story between Chris and Lucie was so emotional and sweet. Loved how the author alternated between the past and the present in the chapters. The ending is EVERYTHING!

[Eliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.4

[Jxn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Rebecca Chase's compelling novel, "Keep in Touch," we are introduced to the introverted and anxious seventeen-year-old protagonist, Lucy. Her struggles with anxiety attacks, painfully low self-esteem, and loneliness are palpable as she navigates the pressures of living up to her controlling father's expectations. Lucy's aspirations differ starkly from the path meticulously planned by her father, leading to an internal conflict that shapes her journey. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Lucy crosses paths with Chris, a charming high school graduate with a rebellious reputation. Their chance encounter sparks an undeniable connection, and they embark on a whirlwind weekend that transforms Lucy's world. Chris' ability to make her feel alive and understood challenges Lucy's insecurities, and she begins to question whether she could find happiness outside the rigid boundaries set by her father. However, fate intervenes, tearing Lucy and Chris apart before they have a chance to fully explore their feelings. Eight years later, a twist of destiny brings Lucy and Chris face to face once again. They are both older, wiser, and carry the weight of their past experiences. As the story oscillates between the past and present, readers are privy to the memories of that fateful weekend. Lucy and Chris delve into what went wrong between them, re-experiencing the intense emotions and missed opportunities. The lingering connection between them is undeniable, and they are left wondering if they can overcome the obstacles that kept them apart all those years ago. Chase's writing is evocative, capturing the complexities of love, loss, and second chances. She expertly weaves the past and present narratives together, creating a rich tapestry of emotions. Lucy's journey towards self-discovery and self-acceptance is both relatable and inspiring, while Chris' character adds depth and complexity to the story. The exploration of mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression, is handled with sensitivity and insight. Overall, "Keep in Touch" is a beautifully crafted novel that explores the intricacies of human relationships, the power of love, and the enduring nature of second chances. Chase's ability to delve into the characters' inner struggles and create a compelling narrative makes this book a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and emotional storytelling.

[Tai · Rating 2 out of 5]

• Dual timelines • first love • nerdy girl / popular guy trope • anxiety representation • slow burn (8 years!) •

3 stars

I have kept an open mind with my review I think maybe I am not the target audience and that is why I did not enjoy it as much. I feel this book is better for young readers (13-18 years of age).

Positives
- The plot: it was a very sweet / meet cute set up.
- Enjoyed the idea of 8 years later and seeing their changes since they were teenagers.

Cons
- in the flashback timeline, I kept feeling like the characters were 12/13 but they are meant to be 17/18.
- parts felt like they dragged.

I can see the right people really enjoying this book. It has great potential, just not the book for me.

Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc.