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There's Always Next Year: A Good Morning America Book Club Pick
From New York Times-bestselling author George M. Johnson and USA Today-bestselling author Leah Johnson comes a revolutionary new holiday romcom for fans of Lynn Painter, Alice Oseman, and Nicola Yoon.
Andy was supposed to shed her too-serious student journalist persona and reinvent herself on New Year's Eve. Instead, she puked on her crush, dropped her phone in a fish tank, and managed to get her car stolen. Now, she only has the first day of the year to stop the gentrification that’s threatening her family’s business right her wrongs from the night before, and figure out why she feels so drawn to the electric new-girl-next-door. . How can Andy find her voice when everything’s being turned upside down?
Dominique is an influencer on the verge of securing a major brand deal that will ensure his future and family legacy. But when he runs into his former best friend, unresolved feelings emerge -- and in a small town, there's nowhere to hide. Not from his cousin, Andy, who has always seen him for his true self, not from his busybody manager, Kim, whose favorite color is money green, and certainly not from himself. When all the world’s a stage, can Dominique rise to superstardom without leaving the ones he loves behind?
There’s Always Next Year is a dual POV, double love story about what it means to nearly blow your life up, and race to put it back together before your time runs out. And if they fail? Well, there’s always next year.
Andy was supposed to shed her too-serious student journalist persona and reinvent herself on New Year's Eve. Instead, she puked on her crush, dropped her phone in a fish tank, and managed to get her car stolen. Now, she only has the first day of the year to stop the gentrification that’s threatening her family’s business right her wrongs from the night before, and figure out why she feels so drawn to the electric new-girl-next-door. . How can Andy find her voice when everything’s being turned upside down?
Dominique is an influencer on the verge of securing a major brand deal that will ensure his future and family legacy. But when he runs into his former best friend, unresolved feelings emerge -- and in a small town, there's nowhere to hide. Not from his cousin, Andy, who has always seen him for his true self, not from his busybody manager, Kim, whose favorite color is money green, and certainly not from himself. When all the world’s a stage, can Dominique rise to superstardom without leaving the ones he loves behind?
There’s Always Next Year is a dual POV, double love story about what it means to nearly blow your life up, and race to put it back together before your time runs out. And if they fail? Well, there’s always next year.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published December 2, 2025
About the author
Leah Johnson
9 books1,566 followersLeah Johnson (she/her) is an eternal midwesterner and author of award-winning books for children and young adults. Her bestselling debut YA novel, You Should See Me in a Crown, was a Stonewall Honor Book, the inaugural Reese's Book Club YA pick, and in 2021, named by TIME as one of the 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed middle grade novel, Ellie Engle Saves Herself, and the editor of the USA Today bestselling anthology, Black Girl Power. When she’s not writing, you can find her at Loudmouth Books, her Indianapolis-based independent bookstore that specializes in highlighting the work of marginalized authors and uplifting banned or challenged books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
December 12, 2025
3 stars - an interesting YA read about some older teens and the gentrification of the home town. I appreciated the diversity (BIPOC & LGBT+) on display here, but perhaps it was just a bit overdone?? Also there were a few things that felt silly - like the "bleep blorp" social media app - that just took me out of this. Just okay for me
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April 13, 2026A queer YA rom-com set on New Year's Eve that also tackles gentrification! It follows cousins - Andy is a student journalist with a crush on a girl who plays pranks, and perhaps finds love where she least expects it. Dominique is an influencer living in New York, back home for the holidays and reconnecting with his childhood best friend he has always had a thing for, while also having to make difficult decisions about the ethics of certain brand deals. There are some great adult side characters, including a drag queen librarian. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
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December 7, 2025This book feels like a teen holiday romcom movie in book form—if those movies ever starred queer Black main characters. There are two cousin main characters, and both of them gets a queer romance plot line, so this is two love stories in one!
We alternate between both points of view, with Dominique trying to repair the relationships he damaged by leaving so suddenly, both with his grandmother and with with ex-best friend/crush. He’s also slowly realizing how much he has missed: the town has become gentrified, and the family hardware shop is in danger of closing.
Andy’s story is basically a scavenger hunt as she tries to chase down her car and find her cousin. She’s accompanied by the new girl in school, who she’s determined to hate, given that her family is part of the gentrification of the town. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is for Andy to remember that.
Part of the reason this felt like a movie to me is that it takes place almost entirely over a single day.
Of course, the climax of the story tells place at the town’s New Year’s celebration, where the villains are confronted and confessions of love takes place.
It’s a fun, quick read that has that holiday nostalgic teen movie appeal. It can be a bit cheesy, and there is slang that won’t age well, but it’s entertaining, and it’s one I would love to see adapted.
We alternate between both points of view, with Dominique trying to repair the relationships he damaged by leaving so suddenly, both with his grandmother and with with ex-best friend/crush. He’s also slowly realizing how much he has missed: the town has become gentrified, and the family hardware shop is in danger of closing.
Andy’s story is basically a scavenger hunt as she tries to chase down her car and find her cousin. She’s accompanied by the new girl in school, who she’s determined to hate, given that her family is part of the gentrification of the town. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is for Andy to remember that.
Part of the reason this felt like a movie to me is that it takes place almost entirely over a single day.
Of course, the climax of the story tells place at the town’s New Year’s celebration, where the villains are confronted and confessions of love takes place.
It’s a fun, quick read that has that holiday nostalgic teen movie appeal. It can be a bit cheesy, and there is slang that won’t age well, but it’s entertaining, and it’s one I would love to see adapted.
August 19, 2025
DNF at 40%
thank you to leah johnson, george m johnson, their publishing team, and netgalley for the ARC.
unfortunately, this just didn’t work for me, and i found myself not really caring about what was happening. hence the DNF. nothing against the authors; i thought the premise behind the book was interesting. i just couldn’t relate to any of the characters, and honestly, i didn’t like any of the slang that was being used. i also didn’t really like how modern/internety/gen z the authors were trying to make the characters. i wish i could’ve enjoyed this, but sadly it’s a no from me.
thank you to leah johnson, george m johnson, their publishing team, and netgalley for the ARC.
unfortunately, this just didn’t work for me, and i found myself not really caring about what was happening. hence the DNF. nothing against the authors; i thought the premise behind the book was interesting. i just couldn’t relate to any of the characters, and honestly, i didn’t like any of the slang that was being used. i also didn’t really like how modern/internety/gen z the authors were trying to make the characters. i wish i could’ve enjoyed this, but sadly it’s a no from me.
October 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dominique was able to escape small town Indiana by becoming an influencer, somewhat by accident. But just as fast as fame came on, he’s slowly starting to lose it. Desperate for brand deals, Dominique has to take a gig back in his home town on New Year’s Day. He’s excited to see his Gma, but can’t really escape everyone else, including his cousin, Andy, and his best friend turned love interest that he left on not-so-great terms. Meanwhile, Andy is dealing with her own challenges, including her family’s business being destroyed by gentrification. With only one day, will Dominique and Andy be able to pull it all together?
While technically a romance novel, I have to say that there were many other story lines that made this a fun #YA read. The book intersects small town queer identity with race and gentrification, with a touch of romance on the side. I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook which really did a phenomenal job from a production standpoint! For example, there’s a bit of an interlude of a podcast episode and another as a hidden mic, both of which were produced to sound super authentic. Eric Lockley and Khaya Fraites did a great job capturing the teen spirit of Dominique and Andy, capturing the joy and angst of young adulthood. It’s a fairly quick read, and fans of #YA will love the intersecting stories!
Reviewed as part of #ARC from #NetGalley. Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read this book if you:
👩👧👦 love books about family, identity, and small town transformation
⚔️ stan stories of teens standing up to abuses of power
🥤 say pop not soda
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
Dominique was able to escape small town Indiana by becoming an influencer, somewhat by accident. But just as fast as fame came on, he’s slowly starting to lose it. Desperate for brand deals, Dominique has to take a gig back in his home town on New Year’s Day. He’s excited to see his Gma, but can’t really escape everyone else, including his cousin, Andy, and his best friend turned love interest that he left on not-so-great terms. Meanwhile, Andy is dealing with her own challenges, including her family’s business being destroyed by gentrification. With only one day, will Dominique and Andy be able to pull it all together?
While technically a romance novel, I have to say that there were many other story lines that made this a fun #YA read. The book intersects small town queer identity with race and gentrification, with a touch of romance on the side. I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook which really did a phenomenal job from a production standpoint! For example, there’s a bit of an interlude of a podcast episode and another as a hidden mic, both of which were produced to sound super authentic. Eric Lockley and Khaya Fraites did a great job capturing the teen spirit of Dominique and Andy, capturing the joy and angst of young adulthood. It’s a fairly quick read, and fans of #YA will love the intersecting stories!
Reviewed as part of #ARC from #NetGalley. Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read this book if you:
👩👧👦 love books about family, identity, and small town transformation
⚔️ stan stories of teens standing up to abuses of power
🥤 say pop not soda
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
October 21, 2025
2.5 stars
I really enjoy both of these authors, which is why I am extremely surprised that this book did not work for me.
While both central characters are interesting enough, the connections are too simplistic and shallow. Two- or three-perspective texts are common in YA, but what makes them work so well is their complementary nature. Here, I felt like I was reading two simultaneous but separate accounts that never merged in a satisfying way.
The representation is good and I still have very positive feelings about both authors, but this one isn't as memorable or meaningful as I'd hoped.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Young Listeners for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I really enjoy both of these authors, which is why I am extremely surprised that this book did not work for me.
While both central characters are interesting enough, the connections are too simplistic and shallow. Two- or three-perspective texts are common in YA, but what makes them work so well is their complementary nature. Here, I felt like I was reading two simultaneous but separate accounts that never merged in a satisfying way.
The representation is good and I still have very positive feelings about both authors, but this one isn't as memorable or meaningful as I'd hoped.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Young Listeners for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
December 3, 2025
I listened to this audiobook thanks to the publisher and Net Galley and am very thankful for having had the chance to listen to it. The narrators are incredible and added so much emotion, reflection, and individual cadence to each character that really enriched this story. It's a very timely and unabashed queer, Black, young adult (YA) that encompasses so much of what it's like to be a young person in America today with strong family and cultural ties, social conscience, and growing into yourself as you're still figuring out who the heck that is anyway. I'm a trans Midwesterner and found the characters relatable, hilarious, and oftentimes tender in ways that pulled at my heartstrings. Even if you think you're too old to read this book, I promise you're not. It's absolutely worth your time - and when you're done, give it to a young person in your life to read!
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December 25, 2025“I will be the queen in the monochromatic look, by the way. I’ve been hand-sewing sequins onto a candy-apple-red bodysuit for months. You will be gagged. Trust.“
That being one of the first sentences in the book is really cringing me out and I’m going to be honest I’m sick of forcing myself to read books that disinterest me..
So DNF!
That being one of the first sentences in the book is really cringing me out and I’m going to be honest I’m sick of forcing myself to read books that disinterest me..
So DNF!
April 6, 2026
Thank you so much to the MacMillan Early Listeners Program for the ALC of this book!
Okay, so first of all, love the idea of a book centered around New Years. We need more of those. Also, love a Dual POV where the two POVs are connected but not each others love interests, iconic. However, this book left a lot to be desired for me.
Andy and Dominique are cousins from a small town in Indiana. We get to learn about Andy’s crush on a girl from her school, Dominique’s money struggles as an up and coming influencer, and their community as it fights gentrification. However, these two do not cross paths enough for me to truly value the relationship they have with each other.
This book also read like someone looked up “Gen Z” and tried to make characters that fit that. It just felt like adults trying too hard to be relatable to teenagers and as someone who works with teenagers, that isn’t something that appeals to them. I can appreciate the effort that was put forth to attempt to push the book into today’s day and age, but when you call social media “Bleep Blorp” (I think, due to listening to the audio, I’m not sure) it’s hard to take that element seriously.
I feel like I just went into this book expecting something different. I think the concept is really cool but the execution is lackluster especially from two authors who are known for writing beautiful work.
The audiobook was well-produced and had clear narration. I always appreciate when a dual POV has dual narration, but the story really lost me on this one.
Okay, so first of all, love the idea of a book centered around New Years. We need more of those. Also, love a Dual POV where the two POVs are connected but not each others love interests, iconic. However, this book left a lot to be desired for me.
Andy and Dominique are cousins from a small town in Indiana. We get to learn about Andy’s crush on a girl from her school, Dominique’s money struggles as an up and coming influencer, and their community as it fights gentrification. However, these two do not cross paths enough for me to truly value the relationship they have with each other.
This book also read like someone looked up “Gen Z” and tried to make characters that fit that. It just felt like adults trying too hard to be relatable to teenagers and as someone who works with teenagers, that isn’t something that appeals to them. I can appreciate the effort that was put forth to attempt to push the book into today’s day and age, but when you call social media “Bleep Blorp” (I think, due to listening to the audio, I’m not sure) it’s hard to take that element seriously.
I feel like I just went into this book expecting something different. I think the concept is really cool but the execution is lackluster especially from two authors who are known for writing beautiful work.
The audiobook was well-produced and had clear narration. I always appreciate when a dual POV has dual narration, but the story really lost me on this one.
December 26, 2025
2.5 stars
***Now playing “Holidays” by Conan Gray***
^^^This book, or, well, at least Dom’s storyline was really giving this song imo.
Okay, tbh I took longer than anticipated to read this, but I think that was mostly because I didn’t start it when I was supposed to… And I really do feel bad about that because I’m never late to reviewing ARCs. I will say I got approved for this some time before I actually read it (because I wanted to wait till like November lol), and for some reason, by the time I got around to it, I thought it was a Christmas book, but it’s actually a New Years book. As in, the whole thing takes place on New Years Day. Which, while I was expecting Christmas for whatever reason, was cool, because how many New Years books are there? I know I can’t think of any.
Anyway, we’ve got two storylines going on here, Andy’s and Dom’s. I feel like Andy’s was kinda the main one, she certainly got the most page time, but the two are also connected of course. (and the two characters are cousins, so there’s that).
Dom’s got the whole city-person returning to their hometown for the holidays thing going on, except New Year, instead of your typical Hallmark Christmas. And of course he runs into his old… well, best friend, but they both always wanted to be more.
And then Andy is on a mission to save their small town from the mayor’s - I wanna say evil plans for some reason, but that’s so unserious. Like he’s literally super racist, and it’s a serious matter, but also the book is such a light read that… idk how to explain it. Like yeah, he’s actually an awful guy, but also he’s in this world where everything feels… idk Hallmark-y, I guess? Which Hallmark-y is what I expected, so not really a disappointment there. And all things considered, for the most part it was quite easy to read. Oh, and of course, Andy also has a romance going on. Which I was more invested in than in Dom’s, I have to say. It did feel rushed because of the whole thing taking place in like 24 hours, but I kinda bought them more than Dom and his love interest, even though they had known each other all their lives, and Andy and her love interest hadn’t. Idk, maybe I just liked them better. Or maybe it was because they got more page time.
***I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***
***Now playing “Holidays” by Conan Gray***
^^^This book, or, well, at least Dom’s storyline was really giving this song imo.
Okay, tbh I took longer than anticipated to read this, but I think that was mostly because I didn’t start it when I was supposed to… And I really do feel bad about that because I’m never late to reviewing ARCs. I will say I got approved for this some time before I actually read it (because I wanted to wait till like November lol), and for some reason, by the time I got around to it, I thought it was a Christmas book, but it’s actually a New Years book. As in, the whole thing takes place on New Years Day. Which, while I was expecting Christmas for whatever reason, was cool, because how many New Years books are there? I know I can’t think of any.
Anyway, we’ve got two storylines going on here, Andy’s and Dom’s. I feel like Andy’s was kinda the main one, she certainly got the most page time, but the two are also connected of course. (and the two characters are cousins, so there’s that).
Dom’s got the whole city-person returning to their hometown for the holidays thing going on, except New Year, instead of your typical Hallmark Christmas. And of course he runs into his old… well, best friend, but they both always wanted to be more.
And then Andy is on a mission to save their small town from the mayor’s - I wanna say evil plans for some reason, but that’s so unserious. Like he’s literally super racist, and it’s a serious matter, but also the book is such a light read that… idk how to explain it. Like yeah, he’s actually an awful guy, but also he’s in this world where everything feels… idk Hallmark-y, I guess? Which Hallmark-y is what I expected, so not really a disappointment there. And all things considered, for the most part it was quite easy to read. Oh, and of course, Andy also has a romance going on. Which I was more invested in than in Dom’s, I have to say. It did feel rushed because of the whole thing taking place in like 24 hours, but I kinda bought them more than Dom and his love interest, even though they had known each other all their lives, and Andy and her love interest hadn’t. Idk, maybe I just liked them better. Or maybe it was because they got more page time.
***I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***
February 8, 2026
2026 reads: 39/300
i received a complimentary audio copy from macmillan audio as part of their influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
this book follows two cousins, dominique and andy, as they try to save their family and community. dominique is returning to his small town from new york, where he got his big break as an influencer. when he runs into an old friend, old feelings emerge, bringing into question if he’s on the right path. andy intended to shed her too-serious student journalist persona and reinvent herself to attract her crush. after a disastrous new year’s eve party, she gets her wish...as well as a stolen car. she teams up with the new girl in town, and as they track down her car, andy tries to figure out how to stop her cousin from unknowingly helping the mayor spread his gentrification agenda.
i’m kicking myself for not having read this back in december; the vibes would have been perfect then! still, i think this book is great to read year-round. i loved the dual pov and how this was reflected through two audiobook narrators. dom and andy were such different characters, and spent a good chunk of the book apart from each other, though their motives were influenced by one another. dom became an influencer and took the gig from the mayor to make enough money to support his family. andy is doing everything she can to show him how the gig directly impacts their family and their community; the mayor’s plans to expand the city is disproportionately affecting black- and brown-owned businesses. overall, this was a lovely YA holiday romance!
i received a complimentary audio copy from macmillan audio as part of their influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
this book follows two cousins, dominique and andy, as they try to save their family and community. dominique is returning to his small town from new york, where he got his big break as an influencer. when he runs into an old friend, old feelings emerge, bringing into question if he’s on the right path. andy intended to shed her too-serious student journalist persona and reinvent herself to attract her crush. after a disastrous new year’s eve party, she gets her wish...as well as a stolen car. she teams up with the new girl in town, and as they track down her car, andy tries to figure out how to stop her cousin from unknowingly helping the mayor spread his gentrification agenda.
i’m kicking myself for not having read this back in december; the vibes would have been perfect then! still, i think this book is great to read year-round. i loved the dual pov and how this was reflected through two audiobook narrators. dom and andy were such different characters, and spent a good chunk of the book apart from each other, though their motives were influenced by one another. dom became an influencer and took the gig from the mayor to make enough money to support his family. andy is doing everything she can to show him how the gig directly impacts their family and their community; the mayor’s plans to expand the city is disproportionately affecting black- and brown-owned businesses. overall, this was a lovely YA holiday romance!
January 5, 2026
A cute, young adult rom-com. It read easy, quick read. Filled with some lingo I needed to google and some moments that were a bit over the top, but it was a sweet holiday romance. I really liked learning about Andy and Dominque, our main characters, and all our side ones. It was a good reminder that we aren't running behind - we can set our goals and try to read them. Any progress gets us closer to what we are reaching for.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
November 30, 2025
I enjoyed how There’s Always Next Year took tropes that are common in holiday romances, but gave them a bit of a twist for a YA book. Like someone coming home to their small town from the big city, reconnecting with people, having to save local landmarks, and having whirlwind holiday adventures. This is a dual POV story following cousins Dom and Andy as they both have their own individual queer romances on top of reconnecting with one another and learning what’s really important in life.
There’s a really lovely emphasis on community in this book. I liked seeing a major plot point being them fighting back against gentrification and working to keep their town unique. I also enjoyed how this book was taking place on New Year’s Day. Holiday romances tend to be about the Christmas season, or leading up to New Year’s Eve, so this felt like a fun departure.
However, this didn’t fully work for me. It felt very light on Dom and Andy reconnecting as cousins and the resolution of the plot at the end happened too easily. There were also some aspects of the writing that were taking me out of the story. Like the fictional social media being called BleepBlorp or the characters constantly making pop culture references that were way before their time. And because this takes place over the course of one day, the blossoming romances felt rushed.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
There’s a really lovely emphasis on community in this book. I liked seeing a major plot point being them fighting back against gentrification and working to keep their town unique. I also enjoyed how this book was taking place on New Year’s Day. Holiday romances tend to be about the Christmas season, or leading up to New Year’s Eve, so this felt like a fun departure.
However, this didn’t fully work for me. It felt very light on Dom and Andy reconnecting as cousins and the resolution of the plot at the end happened too easily. There were also some aspects of the writing that were taking me out of the story. Like the fictional social media being called BleepBlorp or the characters constantly making pop culture references that were way before their time. And because this takes place over the course of one day, the blossoming romances felt rushed.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 12, 2026
*Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan audio for early copy for review*
I'm so glad I was able to listen to this book. The multiple narrators did a great job at telling this story. With having two different authors it felt like we had a different narrator for each one.
The story itself was two queer stories told over a day and each story felt incomplete due to how short this was. I would have lived this, however, when I was 12 or 13 so I would recommend to that age range. This deals with community and being there for family so I think its a great start to a story. This however is not something that will stay will me long term and I will probably forget about it soon.
I'm so glad I was able to listen to this book. The multiple narrators did a great job at telling this story. With having two different authors it felt like we had a different narrator for each one.
The story itself was two queer stories told over a day and each story felt incomplete due to how short this was. I would have lived this, however, when I was 12 or 13 so I would recommend to that age range. This deals with community and being there for family so I think its a great start to a story. This however is not something that will stay will me long term and I will probably forget about it soon.
December 16, 2025
Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook!
While I read (and love) a lot of YA, this one ultimately felt a little too young for my taste, and I struggled to connect with both the characters and the story overall. The premise had a lot of potential, but I never fully felt invested in Andy or Dominique’s journeys. Even through audio, the emotional beats just didn’t land for me, and I found myself feeling fairly disconnected from what was happening on the page.
That said, I really appreciated the gentrification storyline. It was thoughtful, relevant, and something I don’t see explored often enough in YA, and I loved that the book made space for those conversations.
While I read (and love) a lot of YA, this one ultimately felt a little too young for my taste, and I struggled to connect with both the characters and the story overall. The premise had a lot of potential, but I never fully felt invested in Andy or Dominique’s journeys. Even through audio, the emotional beats just didn’t land for me, and I found myself feeling fairly disconnected from what was happening on the page.
That said, I really appreciated the gentrification storyline. It was thoughtful, relevant, and something I don’t see explored often enough in YA, and I loved that the book made space for those conversations.
December 11, 2025
Solidly okay.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. I’ve read stories with multiple story lines before and usually enjoy it, but these just didn’t weave together well enough. Like it was too forced? Oh here are two potential romances, plus a family losing their store, a lost car, and a failing influencer. Let’s jam them all together! That’s basically how it felt.
I appreciate the diverse representation. And I really liked the end about fighting the gentrification of their neighborhood. But I feel like it could have been executed better.
Thank you to both authors and Macmillan Audio for a copy of the audiobook.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. I’ve read stories with multiple story lines before and usually enjoy it, but these just didn’t weave together well enough. Like it was too forced? Oh here are two potential romances, plus a family losing their store, a lost car, and a failing influencer. Let’s jam them all together! That’s basically how it felt.
I appreciate the diverse representation. And I really liked the end about fighting the gentrification of their neighborhood. But I feel like it could have been executed better.
Thank you to both authors and Macmillan Audio for a copy of the audiobook.
February 6, 2026
this was fine. I'm going to be honest I don't have a whole lot to say about it. I expected more from to powerhouse authors like Leah Johnson and George Johnson. I think this book is too short. it's very difficult to have a dual POV story with two people trying to figure out their own thing that takes place on one day. I just don't know that it was really executed as well as it could have been. it was fine.
May 31, 2024
This was not an easy read. Perhaps because my reading life has included Richard Wright's "Native Son" and several by James Baldwin I was able to grasp the first person narrative style but, as I say, the process is not easy. Nevertheless, this is an outstanding piece of literature by a challenging author.
December 29, 2025
3.5/5 very cute queer, YA story that takes place on New Year’s Day 🎉
March 18, 2026
Hi again
Towards the end of last year, I got a pre-order in the mail called There’s Always Next Year. I was drawn in by one of the co-authors alone, Leah Thomas. I have read some of Leah’s books previously and was excited to see what this new co-authored book was about. I only recently picked it up on audiobook from Libby while having my physical copy for when I wanted to go to a cozy spot.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Two main characters, both with different goals, ambitions, and personal lives, clash. Andy is a student journalist who gets A’s and always does the right thing. But this New Year’s Eve, Andy is going to do things differently, which, for the first day of the year, might put her in a weird spot, but she is determined to do this New Year’s differently. Meanwhile, Dominique is a famous influencer who left home to get more work in the big city. While Dominique wants this success, it has come at a cost, and now, visiting home, he is realizing how bad things have become.
I enjoyed my time with this story. The two main characters have different lives, but their stories are similar in some ways. Seeing how two very different worlds kind of collide and encounter very similar problems added an additional element to the story (I think it made the characters even more realistic as they were both struggling and coping in different ways). On a final note, I wanted to say I really enjoyed my time with Dominique’s story in particular; he and his family became some of my favorite characters in the story quickly.
Goodreads Rating: 4 Stars
Towards the end of last year, I got a pre-order in the mail called There’s Always Next Year. I was drawn in by one of the co-authors alone, Leah Thomas. I have read some of Leah’s books previously and was excited to see what this new co-authored book was about. I only recently picked it up on audiobook from Libby while having my physical copy for when I wanted to go to a cozy spot.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Two main characters, both with different goals, ambitions, and personal lives, clash. Andy is a student journalist who gets A’s and always does the right thing. But this New Year’s Eve, Andy is going to do things differently, which, for the first day of the year, might put her in a weird spot, but she is determined to do this New Year’s differently. Meanwhile, Dominique is a famous influencer who left home to get more work in the big city. While Dominique wants this success, it has come at a cost, and now, visiting home, he is realizing how bad things have become.
I enjoyed my time with this story. The two main characters have different lives, but their stories are similar in some ways. Seeing how two very different worlds kind of collide and encounter very similar problems added an additional element to the story (I think it made the characters even more realistic as they were both struggling and coping in different ways). On a final note, I wanted to say I really enjoyed my time with Dominique’s story in particular; he and his family became some of my favorite characters in the story quickly.
Goodreads Rating: 4 Stars
January 4, 2026
4.5 stars. I've enjoyed reading Leah Johnson and George M. Johnson's writing and this joined effort was just as good. I liked the two main characters and the side characters were just as fun and entertaining. Everything happening over 24 hours really amped up the urgency and you felt the characters emotions that much more. The storyline of Cole's Hardware shuttering along with other Black owned businesses in the town was touched on throughout and I liked the ideas of how to keep things going in the town. I appreciated how the story wasn't all wrapped up, how it ended in a hopeful place for a lot of the characters (and not for the slimy ones). I loved all the LGBTQ rep and how accepting everyone was (even if it was unrealistic). While I enjoyed the story a lot I'm not sure how much it will stick with me through the year which is why I downgraded the 4.5 stars to 4.
January 6, 2026
This was the perfect book to start off the new year! A little romance, a little teen angst, and a whole lotta advice from the local drag queen! I loved it!
March 12, 2026
There's Always Next Year is a dual-POV holiday romcom that explores the fallout of one very bad New Year's Eve and the ripple effects that follow. It is about what happens one very public mistake forces two people to reconsider the lives they've been building.
Andy's storyline centers on finding her footing after an embarrassing night spirals into bigger consequences for her family and her sense of identity. Dominique's perspective adds an interesting contrast, especially as he wrestles with ambition, image, and unresolved feelings from the past. Both characters are at turning points, trying to decide whether to stay the course or make a difficult change.
The themes of reinvention and self-awareness were strong, and I liked how much of the story focused on personal growth. At times, though, I wanted more depth in the emotional development, which kept me from fully connecting.
Overall, a thoughtful, contemporary holiday story with emotional context, even if it didn't completely win me over.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Andy's storyline centers on finding her footing after an embarrassing night spirals into bigger consequences for her family and her sense of identity. Dominique's perspective adds an interesting contrast, especially as he wrestles with ambition, image, and unresolved feelings from the past. Both characters are at turning points, trying to decide whether to stay the course or make a difficult change.
The themes of reinvention and self-awareness were strong, and I liked how much of the story focused on personal growth. At times, though, I wanted more depth in the emotional development, which kept me from fully connecting.
Overall, a thoughtful, contemporary holiday story with emotional context, even if it didn't completely win me over.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 23, 2025
I won an ARC of this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
I'm trying to keep in mind that I definitely wasn't the target audience for this book, so when the writing seemed too juvenile or the character's reactions to things seemed too simplistic, I tried to remember that it might seem more meaningful to readers who are closer to the characters' ages.
That being said, I think this book did a good job portraying the struggles of a community that's facing gentrification and people in power who are against the community's best interests in a way that's easy for teens to understand. But contrasting those more serious themes with the fast pace of the romance plotlines really didn't work for me. Maybe the romance would've been more convincing if we'd seen the relationships develop over time, but it felt really silly when it all occurred in one day.
Also, this was definitely an example of a multiple-POV book where you can't stand one character's POV. I ended up having to skim Dominique's chapters because I found his narration very annoying.
I'm trying to keep in mind that I definitely wasn't the target audience for this book, so when the writing seemed too juvenile or the character's reactions to things seemed too simplistic, I tried to remember that it might seem more meaningful to readers who are closer to the characters' ages.
That being said, I think this book did a good job portraying the struggles of a community that's facing gentrification and people in power who are against the community's best interests in a way that's easy for teens to understand. But contrasting those more serious themes with the fast pace of the romance plotlines really didn't work for me. Maybe the romance would've been more convincing if we'd seen the relationships develop over time, but it felt really silly when it all occurred in one day.
Also, this was definitely an example of a multiple-POV book where you can't stand one character's POV. I ended up having to skim Dominique's chapters because I found his narration very annoying.
December 17, 2025
SO sweet and enjoyable.
December 31, 2025
YA supposed to be love story but what stuck with me was more the family aspect and fighting against gentrification. Love story part was very PG and appropriate for middle school on up.
December 29, 2025
3.5 - Thank you so much to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the complimentary book!
Thank you so much to MacMillan Audio for the complimentary ALC!
This book is out now!
One of my favorite tropes in any genre is when the events of book takes place in a day. And this one took place over a day. There are two point of views - Dominque and Andy who we learn are cousins. Andy is having a rough day after having a little bit too much fun the night before. She is on a quest to find her car that suddenly is missing. Dom is returning home after not having the best time in New York after he left his small town to make it as an influencer. He left his friends and family behind and pretty much had limited contact with them.
So I thought that this book was going to be more New Year theme but it was not. It just started on New Year's Day but events also took place in December as well. So I'm not sure if this was intention from the authors or not but it wasn't until a good amount into the book where I figured out the pronouns of the characters. I know the gender of a character isn't important but for me I was trying to picture the story in my head and I could not get a picture since I wasn't sure what I was supposed to be picturing.
"I didn't make a deal with the devil. But a beautiful girl might be much, much more dangerous."
I had enjoyed the book enough to continue but it was not one of my favorites that I have read. I have enjoyed both of these authors separately so I was curious to see how they would work together. I would read another one from them should they do this again. I was kind of hoping for more romance. I was definitely more invested in the romance part with Andy and Iris and seeing their relationship grow as Iris helped Andy find her car. I was happy to see that Dom wanted to and tried to repair his relationship with his long time friend (and crush) Tyler.
I paired my readings with the audio and I thought Eric Lockley and Khaya Fraites were really good! I recently read another book by Khaya and enjoyed that one so I knew that she would be good in this. Eric appears to be a newer narrator but I can see him having a bright future in it. I thought he gave Dom the sass he needed and I could hear/see him as an influencer.
Thank you so much to MacMillan Audio for the complimentary ALC!
This book is out now!
One of my favorite tropes in any genre is when the events of book takes place in a day. And this one took place over a day. There are two point of views - Dominque and Andy who we learn are cousins. Andy is having a rough day after having a little bit too much fun the night before. She is on a quest to find her car that suddenly is missing. Dom is returning home after not having the best time in New York after he left his small town to make it as an influencer. He left his friends and family behind and pretty much had limited contact with them.
So I thought that this book was going to be more New Year theme but it was not. It just started on New Year's Day but events also took place in December as well. So I'm not sure if this was intention from the authors or not but it wasn't until a good amount into the book where I figured out the pronouns of the characters. I know the gender of a character isn't important but for me I was trying to picture the story in my head and I could not get a picture since I wasn't sure what I was supposed to be picturing.
"I didn't make a deal with the devil. But a beautiful girl might be much, much more dangerous."
I had enjoyed the book enough to continue but it was not one of my favorites that I have read. I have enjoyed both of these authors separately so I was curious to see how they would work together. I would read another one from them should they do this again. I was kind of hoping for more romance. I was definitely more invested in the romance part with Andy and Iris and seeing their relationship grow as Iris helped Andy find her car. I was happy to see that Dom wanted to and tried to repair his relationship with his long time friend (and crush) Tyler.
I paired my readings with the audio and I thought Eric Lockley and Khaya Fraites were really good! I recently read another book by Khaya and enjoyed that one so I knew that she would be good in this. Eric appears to be a newer narrator but I can see him having a bright future in it. I thought he gave Dom the sass he needed and I could hear/see him as an influencer.
September 12, 2025
This book is feel good, lighthearted but we have some issues…
First, it’s labeled as young adult but if the author took out one sentence the whole thing could easily be marketed as teen. The writing style is very simple and the transition between events felt juvenile. I felt like I was reading someone’s first novel. While I did get this as an ARC, it still felt like a draft and needs some work before its published.
There’s some funny moments in here and it is living up to being a romcom, but I feel like it heavily relies on people randomly popping into the scene (especially the drag queen) for the comedic effect. Its very forced irony and heavily relies on “and then! and then! and then!”
Lastly, I think the research done about being an influencer was very superficial. Yes, youre trying to show that this 19 year old barely understands how to navigate the space, but he has no brand direction to where it felt more like the author’s fault and less like the character’s fault. It felt like the author was just writing about what they thought an influencer does and it was lazy writing.
It was refreshing reading a dual pov where they both have different love interests. I also loved that it all took place in one day. There’s good bones for this book, but the execution fell through.
First, it’s labeled as young adult but if the author took out one sentence the whole thing could easily be marketed as teen. The writing style is very simple and the transition between events felt juvenile. I felt like I was reading someone’s first novel. While I did get this as an ARC, it still felt like a draft and needs some work before its published.
There’s some funny moments in here and it is living up to being a romcom, but I feel like it heavily relies on people randomly popping into the scene (especially the drag queen) for the comedic effect. Its very forced irony and heavily relies on “and then! and then! and then!”
Lastly, I think the research done about being an influencer was very superficial. Yes, youre trying to show that this 19 year old barely understands how to navigate the space, but he has no brand direction to where it felt more like the author’s fault and less like the character’s fault. It felt like the author was just writing about what they thought an influencer does and it was lazy writing.
It was refreshing reading a dual pov where they both have different love interests. I also loved that it all took place in one day. There’s good bones for this book, but the execution fell through.
November 5, 2025
This was a delightful holiday story filled with warmth and laughs, all while creating space for serious topics. I really enjoyed this story, the fast paced nature and tracking the hours of the day was a fun way to see the world through our main characters eyes.
We follow Dominique as he returns home for the first time in two years and Andy, his younger cousin who is struggling with advocating for her town and staying an impartial reporter. I loved how this novel created space for humor while tackling tough subjects like gentrification, returning home, making difficult decisions and fighting for what you believe in.
I loved that it was fast paced, allowed our characters time to reflect and grow and also find their own paths forward. It was like a fun hallmark movie and a great holiday read. I highly recommend this read for some holiday delight and characters you can cheer on. Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
We follow Dominique as he returns home for the first time in two years and Andy, his younger cousin who is struggling with advocating for her town and staying an impartial reporter. I loved how this novel created space for humor while tackling tough subjects like gentrification, returning home, making difficult decisions and fighting for what you believe in.
I loved that it was fast paced, allowed our characters time to reflect and grow and also find their own paths forward. It was like a fun hallmark movie and a great holiday read. I highly recommend this read for some holiday delight and characters you can cheer on. Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2026
“I swear this airline reminds me of The Flintstones. I'm surprised the floor doesn't open up and we land the plane using our feet.” 😂✈️
Told over the space of twenty-four hours, There’s Always Next Year was a fun listen, alternating between Dominique and his cousin Andy, who, although from the same small town in Indiana, have been living very different lives for the past two years. The story was engaging, with multiple plot threads culminating in a finale in the town square on New Year’s Day, when everything comes together. 🎆
I enjoyed the focus on the attempted redevelopment of the town, alongside Dominique and Andy’s relationship mishaps, as they navigated a chaotic New Year’s Day with some wonderfully crazy characters thrown into the mix. 🤪🏙️
Eric Lockley and Khaya Fraites, as Dominique and Andy respectively, were excellent narrators, drawing me into the manic, rushing-around-town madness that provides the backdrop for most of the story. 🎧✨ Although a Young Adult novel, this could easily be enjoyed by adults and teens alike.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review There’s Always Next Year by Leah Johnson and George M. Johnson.
Told over the space of twenty-four hours, There’s Always Next Year was a fun listen, alternating between Dominique and his cousin Andy, who, although from the same small town in Indiana, have been living very different lives for the past two years. The story was engaging, with multiple plot threads culminating in a finale in the town square on New Year’s Day, when everything comes together. 🎆
I enjoyed the focus on the attempted redevelopment of the town, alongside Dominique and Andy’s relationship mishaps, as they navigated a chaotic New Year’s Day with some wonderfully crazy characters thrown into the mix. 🤪🏙️
Eric Lockley and Khaya Fraites, as Dominique and Andy respectively, were excellent narrators, drawing me into the manic, rushing-around-town madness that provides the backdrop for most of the story. 🎧✨ Although a Young Adult novel, this could easily be enjoyed by adults and teens alike.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review There’s Always Next Year by Leah Johnson and George M. Johnson.
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