You Light Me Up

by Brooke Noel

She just lost her mom and is an emotional wreck.
He's her best friends older brother who just wants her to be happy.
Her world is full of darkness but he's a light that cuts through it all.

Since Rylie’s mom passed away six months ago, she’s done her best to bottle up her emotions and keep her head down. She works at the local coffee shop, focuses on getting her degree, and spends most nights at home with her roommate and best friend, Caleb.
And she never talks about the grief that consumes her every thought with anyone … except Adam.
Adam Dey is a light that cuts through the darkness. He always seems to know when Rylie’s hurting most and is there to help piece her broken parts back together.
Oh, and he’s Caleb’s older brother.
When Caleb can't make it home for Fourth of July weekend, the time alone surfaces long repressed feelings between Adam and Rylie. But in the wake of what should be a happy moment, Rylie feels lost. Afraid she'll lose herself in a relationship and not deal with her grief, she tells Adam they can't be together right now.
But when months pass and all she manages to do is fall harder for him and further into the darkness, it’s the fear that Adam might be moving on that finally pushes Rylie to talk about her pain with other people in her life.
As Rylie and Adam’s connection continues to grow stronger it becomes harder to just be friends, but before they can have their Happily Ever After, Rylie first needs to discover what it truly means to heal from a loss like this.

Genres: Romance, Ebooks, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2024

About the author

Brooke Noel is a romance and fantasy writer by night and an actuary by day. She is a proud woman in STEM, which is why it's a common trope in her writing. After growing up in Florida, she moved cross-country to Southern California, where she currently resides. You Light Me Up was her debut novel. You can find her on Instagram @brookenoelauthor or on her website brooke-noel.com.

Reviews

[Jennifer V. · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.1

Super cheesy. The love story wasn’t built back up great after he had a different girl. The main character was super annoying and very victimesque

At about 34% I was skimming like crazy just to get to the dialogue.

Predictable ending, wasn’t the best read. The writing was good however.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t cry often during books and this one got me. The stories, moments, jokes, and life that happened to these characters felt so real. I felt so connected. Disney made it feel so real, but the connections of families and childhood friends felt like home. This book had me so immersed into their story. I felt like I knew them as much as claire or caleb did. (speaking of, I want a caleb and jess book 👀 the story of them alongside and in time with Rylie and Adam)

This book is such a great read. I felt myself grinning so hard in some moments that i’m sure I probably was kicking my feet too.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful read 🥹

YLMU brought out all of the emotions. I loved how deeply I connected with Rylie & Adam. The writing made me feel like I was right there with them.

The ending was PERFECT. I love how it all came together. I felt so so happy as I closed the book. But I also wish I could’ve stayed in their world forever! Highly recommend ❤️

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super good

Really enjoyed this book alot. But Rylie was a little repetitive saying the same things over and over. But absolutely loved Adams character he was so good to her and loved her so much. And their mom was such a good touch to the whole book! Next I want Caleb and Jess book!!

[Anushka Bagde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me a while to get to this, my reading list is generally long, but so glad I did. For those who've wandered over from my first book review on Instagram and others, the cover was beautifully illustrated and captured the joy that you feel in many moments in the book. I did connect with it because I feel like my journey in undergrad was similar as I was also experiencing the loss of a loved one. But I connected with it on a deeper level because the description and Rylie's process of healing and managing her grief felt like what I went through when another member of my family passed a few years ago. It was felt, it was moving; so many moments that made me pause and reflect. and also convince me to make an effort in physical exertion!

Personal aspects aside, this story was beautifully written, the flow of the scenes was great. One chapter wasn't necessarily the end of a scene, just the end of a dramatic moment which was nice. Rylie was brave and kind and loyal, Adam was sweet and endearing and loyal as well, Caleb made me laugh and grin, Jess was a great friend to Rylie and I loved seeing her in other aspects (no spoilers!). I went through it so fast, I kind of wish for a next scene, another book to revisit these characters but I liked the ending and hope some of the secondary characters have a similar ending as well!

A special thank you to the author, Brooke Noel, for a wonderful book that captured the joy of a new relationship and a moving story! Looking forward to the next!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Light Me Up is such a beautifully written story about friendship, healing from grief, finding yourself, living, and falling in love.

This is the perfect summer read— especially around Fourth of July. Summertime memories spent at the lake and enjoying fireworks all while falling in love.

This book was emotional roller coaster of emotions while reading. I felt every bit of grief- loss Rylie was feeling and experiencing. I loved the friendship she has with her roommate and best friend Caleb. But Caleb’s brother, Adam is book boyfriend goals! Yes, he is the best friend’s older brother. He pays attention to her what she likes and what she doesn’t’ like etc! Meanwhile, Rylie is also paying attention to him! How these two do not see that each one is smitten is beyond me! I love how the Dey family takes Riley in as one of their own and makes her feel like a part of the family is so heartwarming.

I think I could reread the epilogue 5 times and still love it! Absolutely really enjoyed this debut novel. If you want a slow burn, best friend’s brother, heartwarming summer story add this one to your TBR!

[Sarah✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST FRIENDS BROTHER? UHH YES PLEASE!😍

This is the best romance book I’ve read this year!!

I recommend that every best friends brother trope lovers read this!!

This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster all the way through, I have laughed, cried and felt the love from all the characters!
But mostly cried😅 both sad and happy tears

It starts out kind of easing into the characters and settings. I love the friendship between Caleb and Rylie in combination with Rileys feelings for Adam.

Rylies greif is obviously a big hurdle in her life in sooo many ways. I love how Brooke has tackled the view on it and explains it soo well at the same time as you can feel Riley healing piece by piece.

I love the family dynamic between Riley and the Dey’s, they make her feel like one of them!

But the absolutely best part is the romantic story between Riley and Adam!!
I appreciated that you can see the ups and downs of a relationship away as well as getting the happy ending.

!!SPOILERS WARNING!!

The way Brooke described how Adam stood her up for lunch and then Rileys reaction, SO REAL! It’s felt like I saw it in real life.

THE ENDING, OH MY!!! That is the most beautiful proposal I’ve read and I love how he just knows her. Like she said, he lights her up!

AND THEN THE LETTER FROM HER MOM?!?
AND THE RING?!

The happy tears was flowing over here!!🥹🥰

[sora (sorasbookland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I didn’t expect to cry as much as I did reading this book!!!

This book is a slow burn childhood best friend’s brother & friends to lovers romance, it’s a very emotional ride so prepare yourself for that. Rylie and Adam’s love story is so beautiful and heartwarming, Rylie went through so much with the loss of her mom but Adam was always there for her and bonus points for him knowing every single thing about her and Rylie is such a sweet soul that deserves all the love and happiness. The friendships in this book are so wholesome and cute, I also loved Caleb and Jess.

Overall, this wad a very emotional book but I would recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet and genuine slow burn romance.

Thank you Brooke Noel for an e-ARC copy.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖Book Review📖
#YouLightMeUp
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had me in a chokehold! I needed to keep reading to find out what happened next for Rylie and Adam. I don’t often cry in romance books, but this book had me in tears! 😭 Especially towards the end of the book. I did not plan on staying up late to finish, but I had no choice.

Read this if you like:
* Slow Burn Romance
* Best Friend’s Brother Trope
* Quick Read
* Short Chapters

Publish Date: June 24th. You won’t want to miss this one! This book is perfect for the upcoming 4th of July holiday or whenever you are looking for a wholesome romance novel! Be ready with some tissues though!

Thank you to the author for the ARC. I am a fan and will be coming back for more!
#arcreader #arcreview #bookstagram

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rylie is dealing with the recent death of her mother and she’s always relied on her best friend and her best friend’s brother (who she has a crush on) for support. When Adam (the brother) finally makes a move, Rylie realizes that she needs time to work on her grief before getting involved. So as a reader, I’m like, “Great. She’s going to process her grief and get therapy.” Then I waited and waited and waited as she did neither of those things and just continued to lust after Adam and not work on herself at all.

Rylie and Adam’s relationship was so unhealthy/codependent (honestly every relationship in this book was) and their interactions felt more awkward than “sweet.”

[Danica Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought is book was going to be as bad as the “kissing booth” movies, the family friend falls for her best friends older brother that would do anything for her but surprisingly it was good. It was definitely cheesy in some parts but I genuinely couldn’t put it down. It was hard in the beginning and I guessed and “plot twist” but it was a nice easy read that made my stomach have butterflies more than once. The only bad thing about this book is that it just hired my already high standards for the bare minimum men I seem to keep finding.

[Haley McTee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounding up to 3.5 ⭐️! This type of story is not one I’m generally drawn towards automatically, but once I started reading I couldn’t stop! I became invested in the lives of the main characters and wanted to see how it ended. I appreciate how the theme of this book focuses heavily on grief and how every person handles it differently but there were some aspects (interactions/relationships between people) that seemed a little unrealistic to me. Overall, I enjoyed this read and the ending was fit perfectly with the direction of the story.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you can get past the whiney first 1/3 of the book (and, yes, I do know we all grieve differently), this book is a decent read. It did manage to make me both laugh and cry. Rylie is heart broken by the death of her mother after a long battle with cancer. Her grief incapacitates her so that she can't move ahead even with the romance she has dreamed of all her life. It is only when she can accept help and love from others that she can begin to heal. I give it about 3.8 star.

[C. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - what a debut!
This book is the most beautiful story I’ve read in a long time. What a special portrayal of grief and love.
It had me laughing, it had me crying. Adam Dey is perfection, perfect book boyfriend material. I love reading a sensitive man who isn’t afraid to cry.
This book was so special ♥️

[Bayler Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this story!! I loved the way grief was portrayed in a way that felt very real. I haven’t read a book that portrayed grief in a real and raw way. I enjoyed the romance as well and how Adam supported Rylie through everything. I also loved the found family and how Rylie learned how to stand on her own before she got into a relationship!

[Nina Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I get this in a movie please?!

Honestly probably one of my top 5 reads of the year!!! Brooke you seriously out did yourself with this book.

The love story, the grief, the friendship, everything was so relatable and felt so real. I could picture what was actually happening.

Rylie & Adam are my top 3 favorite couples of read this year!

😍😍😍😍😍

[Darla Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was good! a new to me author i loved seeing the growth and realizations the FMC came to through the book. i do feel like some of the story was repetive in some areas but i did over all enjoy the story. i does talk about the death of a parent and the emotional turmoil that can come from that. its also fade to black and has a few uses of the f-word in it.

[Kenzie Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!! I loved this book so much. Rylie & Caleb’s friendship is just the cutest & actual friendship goals. Adam is so good for Rylie and has helped her heal in so many ways after her mom died. He’s a sensitive & sweet guy. I laughed & cried during this book. Highly recommend! ❤️

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rylie and Adam were two fun characters to read about. This book was a roller skating rink of emotions. I loved the authors writing style and how she crafted a beautiful written story. Cannot wait to read more from her in the future. This one will definitely stay with this reader for awhile.

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most beautiful book I have ever read. The ending with the letter. I am in tears. So happy this author popped up for me. Definitely one of my favorite books yet. It was so beautiful and the character development was amazing. 10/10 no complaints

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was cute. the writing was good.
however, why was she always crying. there always seemed to be a tear threatening to fall or rolling down her cheek.
the breakup with olivia wasn’t solved well and we just kind of brushed past it.
not a huge fan of the mc either, lowkey pmo

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I love rylie and Adams story so much. I felt like I could connect with both characters. This is a must read

[lirez-vous ✨ BLANCHE · Rating 3 out of 5]

C’était une belle romance qui a fait fondre mon coeur plus d’une fois.

Cependant, j’ai trouvé que l’histoire était parfois un peu longue et pas toujours super réaliste.

[Jodi Schulz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is fine and the characters are cute but it is very YA.And while I enjoy YA I mean that the characters are so immature and the writing is very unsophisticated.

[Brittany McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORED this book. Rylies journey to healing is beautiful and Adam is probably the most perfect man to ever exist.

[Once Upon a Page · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf 21%

Nothing wrong with it if you want a book about grief, but I was too frustrated by the main character to continue

[Lydia Bob Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

great storyline loved the chemistry

[Kaige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book awhile ago as part of “Stuff Your Kindle.” The cover was cute and the though I read the premise, in all honesty I wasn’t sure if I would like the book or if it was going to be more. But I’m glad I took a chance but this was a very nice surprise. I really enjoyed this story and Brooke is an amazing writer! The way she writes her characters, their dynamics, emotions, and scenes are so beautiful - I felt so invested and connected to Rylie and Adam. I loved reading every scene of theirs (and have a few favorites) and couldn’t stop smiling the whole time.

In terms of characters, I liked Rylie and how she handled a lot of situations maturely. Caleb was the sweetest and most supportive best friends. Adam is an absolute SWEETHEART and one of the best book boyfriends I’ve read in a long time. I fell for the way he pays attention to her, was patient, understanding, and supportive.

With that said, I also like the fact that he makes mistakes because otherwise Adam was too perfect and I wouldn’t have liked that. I got nervous when the Olivia angle came into the story BUT I do think it was what was needed to get Rylie to actually start her journey of healing and I appreciate that it wasn’t stretched for too long, that it wasn’t serious between Adam and Olivia because that would have hurt more, and that Adam realized his mistake and was truly remorseful. Later in the story, we get more insight into why Adam did what he did, helping me understand his actions better.

Overall, loved this book and I can’t wait to read Brooke’s next story! Highly recommend this book if you're looking for a simple, low-stakes, low drama but high on the feels story!

[Kaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfection. I laughed and cried through the whole book. The author has such a way of keeping the reader engaged, I could barely set the book down! Rylie and Adam forever!!