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Us Duet #1
Echoes of Us
Atticus King had his life mapped out—train hard, play volleyball, keep to himself. That is, until Noah Rossi burst onto the charismatic, impulsive, a storm that tore through Atticus’s carefully built walls and set his world on fire. They didn’t fit—Noah was everything Atticus wasn’t—but somehow, they found a rhythm in their shared love for the game and an undeniable pull toward each other. It was everything Atticus never knew he wanted.
But just as quickly as Noah entered his life, he disappeared. No explanation. No goodbye. Only silence that left Atticus drowning in confusion and pain.
Two years later, Noah walks back into Atticus’s world as if nothing ever happened, stirring up old feelings Atticus has tried to bury. The bond they shared is undeniable, but so is the hurt that lingers beneath the surface. Why did Noah leave? And can they rebuild something from the shattered pieces of their past?
Love isn’t easy. But for Atticus and Noah, it might be the only thing worth fighting for.
An MM story about real love—messy, complicated, and raw. About addiction, toxic relationships, and the struggle to claw your way out of the trenches. About facing the truth, even when it’s ugly. About second chances that may or may not come with new heartbreak.
But just as quickly as Noah entered his life, he disappeared. No explanation. No goodbye. Only silence that left Atticus drowning in confusion and pain.
Two years later, Noah walks back into Atticus’s world as if nothing ever happened, stirring up old feelings Atticus has tried to bury. The bond they shared is undeniable, but so is the hurt that lingers beneath the surface. Why did Noah leave? And can they rebuild something from the shattered pieces of their past?
Love isn’t easy. But for Atticus and Noah, it might be the only thing worth fighting for.
An MM story about real love—messy, complicated, and raw. About addiction, toxic relationships, and the struggle to claw your way out of the trenches. About facing the truth, even when it’s ugly. About second chances that may or may not come with new heartbreak.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2024
658 people are currently reading
5315 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 625 reviews
March 12, 2025
Sometimes picking the book with the pretty cover DOES work out, YAYYY!!! 🥳 Oooo I loved this complicated romance book, I’d love to see more like it!!! This is a new all time favorite for me, I adored it so much. I went into this not knowing if there was a HEA or not and thinking quite often that maybe a happy ever after would be them not being together and I *love* that. I’m growing weary of predictability in the romances I read. I enjoyed this change of pace. It gave me the same rush that Leta Blake’s 90’s Coming of Age trilogy did. What a feeling! This is the highest compliment I can bestow because I’m *OBSESSED* with that series. Complex character dynamics and compelling characters. Real personal growth and change. This author mastered that beautifully. I loved these guys and their messiness. It felt so real and honest.
”I need to let you go, Noah,” I whispered against his warm skin.
“I know.” His voice broke.
The before and after timeline…the suspense of what went down between them built so much intrigue that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.😌 I instantly clicked with the writing style and the couple - Atticus and Noah. Also can we get a hell yeah for good friends?!?!? Both Atticus and Noah have amazing friends that care so deeply about them and I was honestly shocked because I’m so used to the friends sucking in romance books!!! I loved them. Why is that such a constant trope though??? Lol anyways… The intensity of their connection was intoxicating. I know I blabber on a lot about chemistry between people in romances and whether it’s there or not without really explaining my meter of judging. It’s like letterboxd in that way, sometimes ratings just are! Chemistry was off. the. charts. It’s no wonder they couldn’t stay away. Why everything hurt so much when things went sideways and felt so incredible when things were good. I was as enamored with them as they are with each other. I loved the banter and the way Atticus viewed Noah was so fascinating to me - almost like he was an apparition only Atticus could see the full scope of. That part of the story interested me so much - Atticus having to reckon with the fact that Noah is human and flawed. Fallible. What happens when you can’t see the forest for the trees? What happens when you love and hate someone in equal measure, but it isn’t hate, not really; you just wish that it was. That’d be easier.
He was a gigantic red flag, and my gut was screaming at me to stay away. But at the same time, I had never wanted to be closer to another person in my life.
”I need to let you go, Noah,” I whispered against his warm skin.
“I know.” His voice broke.
The before and after timeline…the suspense of what went down between them built so much intrigue that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.😌 I instantly clicked with the writing style and the couple - Atticus and Noah. Also can we get a hell yeah for good friends?!?!? Both Atticus and Noah have amazing friends that care so deeply about them and I was honestly shocked because I’m so used to the friends sucking in romance books!!! I loved them. Why is that such a constant trope though??? Lol anyways… The intensity of their connection was intoxicating. I know I blabber on a lot about chemistry between people in romances and whether it’s there or not without really explaining my meter of judging. It’s like letterboxd in that way, sometimes ratings just are! Chemistry was off. the. charts. It’s no wonder they couldn’t stay away. Why everything hurt so much when things went sideways and felt so incredible when things were good. I was as enamored with them as they are with each other. I loved the banter and the way Atticus viewed Noah was so fascinating to me - almost like he was an apparition only Atticus could see the full scope of. That part of the story interested me so much - Atticus having to reckon with the fact that Noah is human and flawed. Fallible. What happens when you can’t see the forest for the trees? What happens when you love and hate someone in equal measure, but it isn’t hate, not really; you just wish that it was. That’d be easier.
He was a gigantic red flag, and my gut was screaming at me to stay away. But at the same time, I had never wanted to be closer to another person in my life.
December 24, 2024
I wont lie to you all, I totally had my interest piqued by this book initially because my lizard brain thought the cover art gave Andriel vibes and I am a weak woman for those two idiots. Then I saw that this was a second chance/ college story, and it was an easy sell.
That being said, I am going to be totally upfront and admit I am a little bit speechless at the moment…. the fact that this was a debut effort is pretty amazing, the writing craft in this was great.
I’m not sure I can say hand on heart that this was an enjoyable read, honestly it was kind of brutal… but the story gripped me by the throat and didn’t let me go until I finished it. It was such an uncannily accurate representation of the sorts of all encompassing, toxic relationships you can find yourself in when you are on the cusp of adulthood, where you live and breathe the other person, that I got a little bit of second-hand PTSD remembering my own experiences during that time in my life and how easy it is to fall into the trap of making those relationships your entire world.
The story features a dual timeline of Atticus and Noah, with part of the story focusing on the start of their relationship, leading up to their breakup, and the other half of the story focusing on Noah’s return two years later and the aftermath of the devastation that it caused them both.
Despite how toxic elements of their relationship was, you could still really feel their chemistry and the connection they shared, and I found myself both empathising and sympathising with Noah and Atticus in turn, despite how messy things got.
As an interesting choice in story pacing, both storylines ran simultaneously throughout the book, meaning that as the climax of the current story line was approaching, the climax (and most toxic part) of the past timeline was also reaching its climax. This resulted in the reader always being reminded of how toxic their past together was, and I found it made it harder to feel like Noah deserved a second chance with Atticus as a result. I suspect that this was the point though and really emphasised the difficult situation Atticus was in, where he still loved this man and couldn’t let him go, despite it potentially being in his best interest to do so.
I would have almost liked a little more time in the end of the book to let the (very hard earned and well deserved) HEA settle with me more. I almost feel like I needed Noah to earn my trust back more too and would have just like more time to see them rebuilding their relationship and trust.
I feel like its important to mention as a content warning that this story heavily features themes of addiction, and probably more importantly features depictions of trying to manage a relationship with someone who is an addict.
For people who need it, this book does mention of off page sexual experiences with characters who aren’t the MCs and one on page sexual experience. However, no infidelity occurs within the relationship.
Another great entry into the toxic, codependent, messy, sad gay boys romance genre.
That being said, I am going to be totally upfront and admit I am a little bit speechless at the moment…. the fact that this was a debut effort is pretty amazing, the writing craft in this was great.
I’m not sure I can say hand on heart that this was an enjoyable read, honestly it was kind of brutal… but the story gripped me by the throat and didn’t let me go until I finished it. It was such an uncannily accurate representation of the sorts of all encompassing, toxic relationships you can find yourself in when you are on the cusp of adulthood, where you live and breathe the other person, that I got a little bit of second-hand PTSD remembering my own experiences during that time in my life and how easy it is to fall into the trap of making those relationships your entire world.
The story features a dual timeline of Atticus and Noah, with part of the story focusing on the start of their relationship, leading up to their breakup, and the other half of the story focusing on Noah’s return two years later and the aftermath of the devastation that it caused them both.
Despite how toxic elements of their relationship was, you could still really feel their chemistry and the connection they shared, and I found myself both empathising and sympathising with Noah and Atticus in turn, despite how messy things got.
As an interesting choice in story pacing, both storylines ran simultaneously throughout the book, meaning that as the climax of the current story line was approaching, the climax (and most toxic part) of the past timeline was also reaching its climax. This resulted in the reader always being reminded of how toxic their past together was, and I found it made it harder to feel like Noah deserved a second chance with Atticus as a result. I suspect that this was the point though and really emphasised the difficult situation Atticus was in, where he still loved this man and couldn’t let him go, despite it potentially being in his best interest to do so.
I would have almost liked a little more time in the end of the book to let the (very hard earned and well deserved) HEA settle with me more. I almost feel like I needed Noah to earn my trust back more too and would have just like more time to see them rebuilding their relationship and trust.
I feel like its important to mention as a content warning that this story heavily features themes of addiction, and probably more importantly features depictions of trying to manage a relationship with someone who is an addict.
For people who need it, this book does mention of off page sexual experiences with characters who aren’t the MCs and one on page sexual experience. However, no infidelity occurs within the relationship.
Another great entry into the toxic, codependent, messy, sad gay boys romance genre.
February 14, 2025
6 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: ebook
I’m ruined. This book has ruined me.
You know how little things in a book give you hints that it will be absolutely devastating? Like it being a second chance romance. Like a single POV which guarantees that there’s something the other MMC will know that you’re not privy to until the right moment. Like a dual timeline where the present is sad and gut-wrenching and the past slowly changes from happy to crippling.
But you read on anyway and then can’t be shocked when it all blows up into something that has you sobbing.
I loved both Atty and Noah so much. I know Noah was a walking red flag, but he pulled me in just as easily as he did with Atticus. I just wanted him to be happy and okay. And Atticus was so sweet and patient and loving.
The addiction aspects of this book were heartbreaking but so brutally honest. The codependency, the love bombing, the mood swings. This book was honestly super triggering and traumatizing but I loved every second of it.
While I wish we got a longer taste of the super hard fought HEA, I’m just so relieved we did get one. This couple just felt inevitable. I loved them together, even at their worst, and I rooted for them the entire time.
Also I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the FANTASTIC side characters we got. Holly was an amazing best friend to Noah and everything she did for him at the end had me bawling my eyes out. Colin and Ezra were also such great friends to Atticus. They supported Atty so much and were always there to step in when he needed them. I was kind of obsessed with how much Ezra hated Noah, and how blunt he could be with Atticus, because he truly needed it. And Colin was just always someone to lean on and eager to lend an ear.
Perfect characters, perfect story, perfect angst and groveling. This is going on a list of books I will hold on a pedestal and think about forever but will never, ever reread because it hurts too fucking much.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: ebook
I’m ruined. This book has ruined me.
You know how little things in a book give you hints that it will be absolutely devastating? Like it being a second chance romance. Like a single POV which guarantees that there’s something the other MMC will know that you’re not privy to until the right moment. Like a dual timeline where the present is sad and gut-wrenching and the past slowly changes from happy to crippling.
But you read on anyway and then can’t be shocked when it all blows up into something that has you sobbing.
I loved both Atty and Noah so much. I know Noah was a walking red flag, but he pulled me in just as easily as he did with Atticus. I just wanted him to be happy and okay. And Atticus was so sweet and patient and loving.
The addiction aspects of this book were heartbreaking but so brutally honest. The codependency, the love bombing, the mood swings. This book was honestly super triggering and traumatizing but I loved every second of it.
While I wish we got a longer taste of the super hard fought HEA, I’m just so relieved we did get one. This couple just felt inevitable. I loved them together, even at their worst, and I rooted for them the entire time.
Also I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the FANTASTIC side characters we got. Holly was an amazing best friend to Noah and everything she did for him at the end had me bawling my eyes out. Colin and Ezra were also such great friends to Atticus. They supported Atty so much and were always there to step in when he needed them. I was kind of obsessed with how much Ezra hated Noah, and how blunt he could be with Atticus, because he truly needed it. And Colin was just always someone to lean on and eager to lend an ear.
Perfect characters, perfect story, perfect angst and groveling. This is going on a list of books I will hold on a pedestal and think about forever but will never, ever reread because it hurts too fucking much.
Read
January 11, 2025***no rating***
I love second-chance romances to pieces but I didn’t love this. I actually didn’t even like it. For various reasons, most or all of them probably a me-thing.
Skimm-skipped my way through it so no rating.
I love second-chance romances to pieces but I didn’t love this. I actually didn’t even like it. For various reasons, most or all of them probably a me-thing.
Skimm-skipped my way through it so no rating.
Read
January 21, 2026i live for melodrama but the pacing of this was too weird for me, sadly. might revisit in the future.
won-t-read-bc-nopes
February 7, 2026Update Jan 2026: WHOA what happened to that great cover??? This new look is okay, but, nowhere near as eye-catching.
Oh well. Easier to resist I guess.
???
***
Original comments:
I keep wanting to read this and reminding myself, no, self, you cannot handle this one. Yes it looks great. Yes it is hard won HEA. But yes, once they're back together in the same place after two years ghosting/separation (ahh it sounds so good!), like midway through, one MC hooks up ON PAGE with some rando. You cannot handle this. Leave this book to your friends who can handle it and stop drooling over the cover.
Update note. Flashback to present to flashback to present throughout? NO. I would be pulling my hair out, can't stand that much past-present ratio, want mostly present. So, definitely not the right book for me.
Damn you, great cover!
Oh well. Easier to resist I guess.
???
***
Original comments:
I keep wanting to read this and reminding myself, no, self, you cannot handle this one. Yes it looks great. Yes it is hard won HEA. But yes, once they're back together in the same place after two years ghosting/separation (ahh it sounds so good!), like midway through, one MC hooks up ON PAGE with some rando. You cannot handle this. Leave this book to your friends who can handle it and stop drooling over the cover.
Update note. Flashback to present to flashback to present throughout? NO. I would be pulling my hair out, can't stand that much past-present ratio, want mostly present. So, definitely not the right book for me.
Damn you, great cover!
![Profile Image for Megan [At The Cottage].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 21, 2026
MM Romance
Second Chance
3.75 Stars ⭐️
🎧Narrated by Patrick Mealey🎧
I started this last year when it first released, realized it was an angst fest and paused it so when I saw it on netgalley as an ALC (advanced listening copy) I decided to give it another go. I have a lot of conflicting thoughts but overall I think this narrator did a fantastic job capturing the emotions and heartbreak this book is. In fact, this narrator (who is new to me) was so good that I actually switched to reading the book about halfway through because he was making me too anxious about what was to come. This is the highest compliment I can give the narrator even though it probably won’t make sense to a lot of people but it does to me 😂 Also, the fact this is the author’s debut? WOW 🤩
I could have written a novel after finishing this last night but it’s been 24 hours now and I’m not as emotional. Hopefully that will keep me in check but I have a lot of thoughts. Spoiler free ones promise.
So this book is written in such a unique way because while we are in Atticus’ (Atty) mind in a first person POV, the book switches between “before” and “after” every chapter until it blends seamlessly together at the end. I loved the way it was written, thought it had a brilliant transition and yet I am not completely satisfied with how this ended. I am going to pretend the second book doesn’t exist for a moment because when I picked this up last year it didn’t. The author said this book was complete and she was going to do a follow up novella and I have to say if I had finished this last year I would have been really disappointed with how this wrapped up. Without spoiling anything, this book is pain. It deals with first love, addiction and second chances and it was incredibly heartbreaking at times. Since it’s written in a before and after chapter structure it was hard for me to really know who Noah (other MC) was because we only have Atty’s eyes and he’s quite naive. I found myself crying reading what Atty was seeing because I knew more than he did. I know what signs addicts have so I knew long before Atty did what was going on but I also understood why Atty wouldn’t open himself up to the possibility that Noah wasn’t okay. This makes the book heartbreaking and to have this “before” part go on until 95% made the HEA feel like whiplash. I feel like I suffered more than I was healed. I finished this book and felt awful. I felt like I hadn’t even read a romance because so much was left off page.
All that said, there’s now a companion book from Noah’s POV and tbh I wasn’t going to read it because the idea of being in only Noah’s POV sounds more heartbreaking than being in Attys. However, I need a better ending than this one. I need to know how they go from the end of this book to the epilogue. I want to see them happy and healthy after overcoming all their issues and according to reviews for the next one, that’s exactly what I’m going to get after I experience a whole fuckton of pain so I’ll read it but I’m going to wait a bit first. I also really want to learn who Noah is because I don’t have a full picture yet and it bothers me.
So why 4 stars then? Despite everything I mentioned above, I couldn’t put this down. I loved this author’s writing and couldn’t believe this was her debut because most of the ones I’ve read are trash but this was beautifully written. I wasn’t actually sure I liked the narrator at first but then he yelled during a fight scene and I was sat. Captivated. I didn’t fall asleep reading this which I something that seems to get rarer with every book I read. I actually have to set an alarm when I read now because I fall asleep so often that I need to set myself up for success 😂 And lastly, even if I don’t feel like I know Noah to the degree I’d like to, I believed Atty did. I believed that Noah was Atty’s person despite everything that happened and by the end of “before”, I believed Noah was actually trying to do the right thing as misguided as it was.
Thank you netgalley, Alex Cross and Tantor Media for the ALC opportunity. 🫶🏻
Oh one last thing? WTAF happened to this beautiful cover? I noticed the artistry appeared different on the second book and then saw the ebook was changed too and WHY? This one is gorgeous!
#The52BookClub-A Book That Cost You Nothing (ALC)
Second Chance
3.75 Stars ⭐️
🎧Narrated by Patrick Mealey🎧
I started this last year when it first released, realized it was an angst fest and paused it so when I saw it on netgalley as an ALC (advanced listening copy) I decided to give it another go. I have a lot of conflicting thoughts but overall I think this narrator did a fantastic job capturing the emotions and heartbreak this book is. In fact, this narrator (who is new to me) was so good that I actually switched to reading the book about halfway through because he was making me too anxious about what was to come. This is the highest compliment I can give the narrator even though it probably won’t make sense to a lot of people but it does to me 😂 Also, the fact this is the author’s debut? WOW 🤩
I could have written a novel after finishing this last night but it’s been 24 hours now and I’m not as emotional. Hopefully that will keep me in check but I have a lot of thoughts. Spoiler free ones promise.
So this book is written in such a unique way because while we are in Atticus’ (Atty) mind in a first person POV, the book switches between “before” and “after” every chapter until it blends seamlessly together at the end. I loved the way it was written, thought it had a brilliant transition and yet I am not completely satisfied with how this ended. I am going to pretend the second book doesn’t exist for a moment because when I picked this up last year it didn’t. The author said this book was complete and she was going to do a follow up novella and I have to say if I had finished this last year I would have been really disappointed with how this wrapped up. Without spoiling anything, this book is pain. It deals with first love, addiction and second chances and it was incredibly heartbreaking at times. Since it’s written in a before and after chapter structure it was hard for me to really know who Noah (other MC) was because we only have Atty’s eyes and he’s quite naive. I found myself crying reading what Atty was seeing because I knew more than he did. I know what signs addicts have so I knew long before Atty did what was going on but I also understood why Atty wouldn’t open himself up to the possibility that Noah wasn’t okay. This makes the book heartbreaking and to have this “before” part go on until 95% made the HEA feel like whiplash. I feel like I suffered more than I was healed. I finished this book and felt awful. I felt like I hadn’t even read a romance because so much was left off page.
All that said, there’s now a companion book from Noah’s POV and tbh I wasn’t going to read it because the idea of being in only Noah’s POV sounds more heartbreaking than being in Attys. However, I need a better ending than this one. I need to know how they go from the end of this book to the epilogue. I want to see them happy and healthy after overcoming all their issues and according to reviews for the next one, that’s exactly what I’m going to get after I experience a whole fuckton of pain so I’ll read it but I’m going to wait a bit first. I also really want to learn who Noah is because I don’t have a full picture yet and it bothers me.
So why 4 stars then? Despite everything I mentioned above, I couldn’t put this down. I loved this author’s writing and couldn’t believe this was her debut because most of the ones I’ve read are trash but this was beautifully written. I wasn’t actually sure I liked the narrator at first but then he yelled during a fight scene and I was sat. Captivated. I didn’t fall asleep reading this which I something that seems to get rarer with every book I read. I actually have to set an alarm when I read now because I fall asleep so often that I need to set myself up for success 😂 And lastly, even if I don’t feel like I know Noah to the degree I’d like to, I believed Atty did. I believed that Noah was Atty’s person despite everything that happened and by the end of “before”, I believed Noah was actually trying to do the right thing as misguided as it was.
Thank you netgalley, Alex Cross and Tantor Media for the ALC opportunity. 🫶🏻
Oh one last thing? WTAF happened to this beautiful cover? I noticed the artistry appeared different on the second book and then saw the ebook was changed too and WHY? This one is gorgeous!
#The52BookClub-A Book That Cost You Nothing (ALC)
February 8, 2026
"I fucking hate you. I wish I'd never met you." while hugging desperately.
Surprisingly, this one didn't hurt me as much as it SHOULD have. And I have complaints about that.
It's a second chance sort of thing. They're apart for two years, but the book shifts consistently between before and after AND there's not much shown of the period while they're apart, save for comments from friends or Atty's thoughts, so somehow it doesn't feel as terrible. I wish there'd been a chapter of just the period when they were apart. So I could more truly understand how much Atticus fell apart.
To be fair, the guy's still pretty messed up over it two years later, so maybe I'm asking for too much?
Otw the moment the 'before' section reaches the moment of separation, it segues back to the current timeline. So I feel cheated of the worst bits of the separation.
Still. The parts that hurt REALLY hurt.
My unexpected favorite thing about this one is that I went in fully expecting to hate Noah and I never did. Not at any one point. As someone who always picks sides between MCs even when it's not necessary, and even without Noah's POV, I was pleasantly surprised.
Even from Atticus' POV, you can see how hard Noah tried to be 'good' for him, and not use drugs. Even if he kept failing.
My other complaint is that I didn't like how the reveal of what happened during the break was the final catalyst for them getting back together.
I was really okay with the trajectory we were on. I liked Noah having to work for Atty's attention. I liked seeing him get rebuffed, pick himself up and try again. The reveal being what worked felt like I was cheated of Noah earning his place back in Atty's life.
Regardless. As bad as their relationship ended up being the first time around, I really liked how they started. Socially awkward guy and popular party guy meeting and someone finding a spark despite all the odds against them.
The biggest odd being Ezra. So much love for Ezra. Even though he's verbally the weapon formed against our MCs, he's a solid friend who always told Atticus the truth.
He was objective about how bad a pairing it was the first time around. Appreciated him even more the second time around when he spoke up in favor of Noah.
These two fell in love hard and fast, and when things were good between them, they were really good. So I understand why Atty struggled to move on. Especially given the ghosting.
An entire star for him not folding immediately Noah returned and making him work for it a bit. I have to say, I did not expect him to hold out that long.
Surprisingly, this one didn't hurt me as much as it SHOULD have. And I have complaints about that.
It's a second chance sort of thing. They're apart for two years, but the book shifts consistently between before and after AND there's not much shown of the period while they're apart, save for comments from friends or Atty's thoughts, so somehow it doesn't feel as terrible. I wish there'd been a chapter of just the period when they were apart. So I could more truly understand how much Atticus fell apart.
To be fair, the guy's still pretty messed up over it two years later, so maybe I'm asking for too much?
Otw the moment the 'before' section reaches the moment of separation, it segues back to the current timeline. So I feel cheated of the worst bits of the separation.
Still. The parts that hurt REALLY hurt.
My unexpected favorite thing about this one is that I went in fully expecting to hate Noah and I never did. Not at any one point. As someone who always picks sides between MCs even when it's not necessary, and even without Noah's POV, I was pleasantly surprised.
Even from Atticus' POV, you can see how hard Noah tried to be 'good' for him, and not use drugs. Even if he kept failing.
My other complaint is that I didn't like how the reveal of what happened during the break was the final catalyst for them getting back together.
I was really okay with the trajectory we were on. I liked Noah having to work for Atty's attention. I liked seeing him get rebuffed, pick himself up and try again. The reveal being what worked felt like I was cheated of Noah earning his place back in Atty's life.
Regardless. As bad as their relationship ended up being the first time around, I really liked how they started. Socially awkward guy and popular party guy meeting and someone finding a spark despite all the odds against them.
The biggest odd being Ezra. So much love for Ezra. Even though he's verbally the weapon formed against our MCs, he's a solid friend who always told Atticus the truth.
He was objective about how bad a pairing it was the first time around. Appreciated him even more the second time around when he spoke up in favor of Noah.
These two fell in love hard and fast, and when things were good between them, they were really good. So I understand why Atty struggled to move on. Especially given the ghosting.
An entire star for him not folding immediately Noah returned and making him work for it a bit. I have to say, I did not expect him to hold out that long.
December 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
𝐇𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦. 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞.
Tropes :
✨MM Romance
✨Second-chance
✨Volleyball player x the rich popular guy
✨College romance
✨Virgin MMC
✨Socially awkward / autistic-coded MMC (I don't think this is confirmed by the author tho)
✨Addiction, toxic relationship, codependency
✨Dual-timeline (we switch between past and present events)
⚠️We read and hear about the MMCs sleeping with others, but they are no longer together when it happens⚠️ I personally hate this, but because of how the book is written and because of the events/timeline/ their relationship state, this didn't bother me in this book. I think you should check it out even if it's something that (like me) usually makes you DNF a book.
(For the Haikyuu fans, this feels like what Kageyama and Hinata’s relationship could have been if the manga had been adult-centered and focused on romance lmao.)
Ezra was right — I couldn’t keep living like this, stuck in the past, shutting everyone out. But moving on felt impossible. He really had been everything to me.
My review:
Echoes of Us left me with that weird tight feeling in my chest that you only get from stories that feel a little too real. It follows Atticus and Noah through this connection that is beautiful and difficult at the same time. Their relationship isn’t clean or simple. It is full of mistakes, longing, hurt, and that strange kind of closeness that pulls you in even when you know it might end badly.
The way the book shifts between the past and the present makes everything hit harder. One minute you are watching them fall for each other, and the next you are thrown into the aftermath where everything is cracked and heavy. That back-and-forth kind of traps you in both versions of their story at once, which makes the emotional parts even stronger. A part of me also didn’t like that, which is the main reason I am giving this 4 stars instead of 5. The fact that we jump between the past and the present with each chapter adds something unique to the story and makes you attach to or dislike the characters in a very different way compared to a normal chronological story. But I also feel like it is the weakness of the book. Shifting all the time makes you care less about the past chapters because you immediately see how things eventually turn out, instead of getting the full impact and pain of those past events.(I hope this makes sense lol.) For a debut novel though, it was still really impressive. I would definitely read more books that use timeline shifting like this, but I think it has to be done really really well to be fully enjoyable.
There were moments where I honestly didn’t like Noah at all. He could be selfish and frustrating, but then he would do something that made him feel painfully human. Watching him change was rough but also weirdly hopeful. And Atticus loving him felt like its own kind of struggle, almost like he was hooked on the idea of who Noah could be.
The book doesn’t hide from the messy parts. There is manipulation, gaslighting, addiction in different forms, and this constant ache between them that sometimes feels impossible to fix. Some scenes hit so hard they left me staring at the page. But even in the darkest moments, there are these tiny soft pieces where you feel like maybe they can make it through.
By the end, I felt both bruised and relieved. I liked seeing them try to rebuild something, even if I wish we had a little more time with their healing after everything they went through. Their chemistry and connection never stop feeling real.
It is not a light read and definitely not a fairy tale, but it is the kind of book that stays with you long after you close it.
Some more quotes:
“Noah, for fuck’s sake. ”
He smiled, that infuriatingly gorgeous one. “ What? ”
“ Shut up. ”
He beamed. “ You got it! ” Then he licked his lips and leaned down, taking me into his mouth.
I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him against my chest, almost like I could force him to become a part of me if I tried hard enough. “ I really wish I hated you, Noah. You don’t know how much I want to. ” His shoulders trembled against me. “ I don’t want to love you anymore. ”
🌶️🌶️
𝐇𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦. 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞.
Tropes :
✨MM Romance
✨Second-chance
✨Volleyball player x the rich popular guy
✨College romance
✨Virgin MMC
✨Socially awkward / autistic-coded MMC (I don't think this is confirmed by the author tho)
✨Addiction, toxic relationship, codependency
✨Dual-timeline (we switch between past and present events)
⚠️We read and hear about the MMCs sleeping with others, but they are no longer together when it happens⚠️ I personally hate this, but because of how the book is written and because of the events/timeline/ their relationship state, this didn't bother me in this book. I think you should check it out even if it's something that (like me) usually makes you DNF a book.
(For the Haikyuu fans, this feels like what Kageyama and Hinata’s relationship could have been if the manga had been adult-centered and focused on romance lmao.)
Ezra was right — I couldn’t keep living like this, stuck in the past, shutting everyone out. But moving on felt impossible. He really had been everything to me.
My review:
Echoes of Us left me with that weird tight feeling in my chest that you only get from stories that feel a little too real. It follows Atticus and Noah through this connection that is beautiful and difficult at the same time. Their relationship isn’t clean or simple. It is full of mistakes, longing, hurt, and that strange kind of closeness that pulls you in even when you know it might end badly.
The way the book shifts between the past and the present makes everything hit harder. One minute you are watching them fall for each other, and the next you are thrown into the aftermath where everything is cracked and heavy. That back-and-forth kind of traps you in both versions of their story at once, which makes the emotional parts even stronger. A part of me also didn’t like that, which is the main reason I am giving this 4 stars instead of 5. The fact that we jump between the past and the present with each chapter adds something unique to the story and makes you attach to or dislike the characters in a very different way compared to a normal chronological story. But I also feel like it is the weakness of the book. Shifting all the time makes you care less about the past chapters because you immediately see how things eventually turn out, instead of getting the full impact and pain of those past events.(I hope this makes sense lol.) For a debut novel though, it was still really impressive. I would definitely read more books that use timeline shifting like this, but I think it has to be done really really well to be fully enjoyable.
There were moments where I honestly didn’t like Noah at all. He could be selfish and frustrating, but then he would do something that made him feel painfully human. Watching him change was rough but also weirdly hopeful. And Atticus loving him felt like its own kind of struggle, almost like he was hooked on the idea of who Noah could be.
The book doesn’t hide from the messy parts. There is manipulation, gaslighting, addiction in different forms, and this constant ache between them that sometimes feels impossible to fix. Some scenes hit so hard they left me staring at the page. But even in the darkest moments, there are these tiny soft pieces where you feel like maybe they can make it through.
By the end, I felt both bruised and relieved. I liked seeing them try to rebuild something, even if I wish we had a little more time with their healing after everything they went through. Their chemistry and connection never stop feeling real.
It is not a light read and definitely not a fairy tale, but it is the kind of book that stays with you long after you close it.
Some more quotes:
“Noah, for fuck’s sake. ”
He smiled, that infuriatingly gorgeous one. “ What? ”
“ Shut up. ”
He beamed. “ You got it! ” Then he licked his lips and leaned down, taking me into his mouth.
I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him against my chest, almost like I could force him to become a part of me if I tried hard enough. “ I really wish I hated you, Noah. You don’t know how much I want to. ” His shoulders trembled against me. “ I don’t want to love you anymore. ”
February 22, 2026
5🌟
“I need to let you go, Noah,” I whispered against his warm skin.
“I know.” His voice broke.
I loved this soooo much. The push and pull between Noah & Atticus was raw and heartbreaking. I feel like I typically wouldn’t have liked timelines switching back and forth every chapter, but it flowed perfectly here imo. Not to mention, the angst build up from this was soooo good. I was grateful that we got their story from the very first moment they met, while simultaneously seeing the fallout from Noah’s return in the present. The yearning and the groveling was so good, it was making my chest hurttttttt.
I want to be clear though, one of our MCs, Noah, struggles with addiction and depression. The relationship between the main characters is complicated and becomes dangerously codependent & toxic. If any of this is a trigger for you, this is definitely not the book for you.
You can tell when things are starting to really spiral for Noah in the past. His erratic behavior, the mood swings. It wasn’t easy to read and it was even harder to see how badly Noah’s addiction had bled into the lives of those around him, especially with Atticus.
I can understand the criticism with Noah’s character, but to be fair, I think it’s prettyyyyy clear from the start that he is a huge red flag. Even early on in their relationship we can see that Noah struggles with things like boundaries and jealousy.
I am absolutely NOT excusing his behavior or condoning it. I actually think it’s pretty clear we’re not supposed to be okay with it. That’s kind of the point 😭
Noah was deeply struggling and had been for a very long time. I felt the pain of both MCs. They both were so deeply in love and Atticus was blinded by that sometimes. He was in over his head and out of his depth, but all he ever wanted was too care for Noah and love him. I felt every ounce of his anger, frustration, and desperation in the present while he grappled with Noah’s return. But seeing the difference in Noah’s behavior from the past & present was so satisfying. It was a testament to how much work he had done on himself to get better.
This was so emotional and I just absolutely loved the romance in this. It was so messy and hard to read at times, but their chemistry together was incredible. Their love for each other was beyond evident.
I also just want to mention that the side characters (Atticus’s two bestfriends) were amazing. The way they were there for Atticus no matter what and supported him was so special. I feel like we don’t always get that with stories like these, but I’m grateful that they were always pillars of strength and guideposts for Atticus when he needed them. I also loved that he called them mom & dad hahahahhah
Last thing: I also noticed a lot of people critiqued this on the ending being rushed, but it seems like all of them didn’t know there would be a book 2 at the time. Which is totally fair. If their story wasn’t continuing into a second book, I would also say the ending was rushed.
I’m excited to read from Noah’s perspective in the next book! It’s supposed to start off right where this book leaves off and will alternate between past & present as well. We’ll likely get to see Noah’s own personal story from the very beginning and I think that’s the perfect way for people to better understand & empathize with his character.
I don’t think this will be for everyone, but it was definitely for me ❤️ definitely check the content warnings before starting this!
“I need to let you go, Noah,” I whispered against his warm skin.
“I know.” His voice broke.
I loved this soooo much. The push and pull between Noah & Atticus was raw and heartbreaking. I feel like I typically wouldn’t have liked timelines switching back and forth every chapter, but it flowed perfectly here imo. Not to mention, the angst build up from this was soooo good. I was grateful that we got their story from the very first moment they met, while simultaneously seeing the fallout from Noah’s return in the present. The yearning and the groveling was so good, it was making my chest hurttttttt.
I want to be clear though, one of our MCs, Noah, struggles with addiction and depression. The relationship between the main characters is complicated and becomes dangerously codependent & toxic. If any of this is a trigger for you, this is definitely not the book for you.
You can tell when things are starting to really spiral for Noah in the past. His erratic behavior, the mood swings. It wasn’t easy to read and it was even harder to see how badly Noah’s addiction had bled into the lives of those around him, especially with Atticus.
I can understand the criticism with Noah’s character, but to be fair, I think it’s prettyyyyy clear from the start that he is a huge red flag. Even early on in their relationship we can see that Noah struggles with things like boundaries and jealousy.
I am absolutely NOT excusing his behavior or condoning it. I actually think it’s pretty clear we’re not supposed to be okay with it. That’s kind of the point 😭
Noah was deeply struggling and had been for a very long time. I felt the pain of both MCs. They both were so deeply in love and Atticus was blinded by that sometimes. He was in over his head and out of his depth, but all he ever wanted was too care for Noah and love him. I felt every ounce of his anger, frustration, and desperation in the present while he grappled with Noah’s return. But seeing the difference in Noah’s behavior from the past & present was so satisfying. It was a testament to how much work he had done on himself to get better.
This was so emotional and I just absolutely loved the romance in this. It was so messy and hard to read at times, but their chemistry together was incredible. Their love for each other was beyond evident.
I also just want to mention that the side characters (Atticus’s two bestfriends) were amazing. The way they were there for Atticus no matter what and supported him was so special. I feel like we don’t always get that with stories like these, but I’m grateful that they were always pillars of strength and guideposts for Atticus when he needed them. I also loved that he called them mom & dad hahahahhah
Last thing: I also noticed a lot of people critiqued this on the ending being rushed, but it seems like all of them didn’t know there would be a book 2 at the time. Which is totally fair. If their story wasn’t continuing into a second book, I would also say the ending was rushed.
I’m excited to read from Noah’s perspective in the next book! It’s supposed to start off right where this book leaves off and will alternate between past & present as well. We’ll likely get to see Noah’s own personal story from the very beginning and I think that’s the perfect way for people to better understand & empathize with his character.
I don’t think this will be for everyone, but it was definitely for me ❤️ definitely check the content warnings before starting this!
May 16, 2025
I have SUCH mixed feelings on this one. Great premise, good characters, but I was expecting to feel devastated after reading this. I was craving a book good hangover. Overall a great story, it just didn't hit the way I wanted it to. The author did a really great build up just to kinda rush the ending.
I enjoyed the chapters alternating between "before" and "after" timelines. It led for some great suspense and foreshadowing. I loved that the writing style quietly shifted in the chapters where the characters were older.
Atticus and Noah are so bad for each other its good. Atticus is an inexperienced young kid with a bright future, he loves hard, plays volleyball hard and get stuck in a "But I can fix him!" mindset about Noah. He is a sweet little angel baby who grows up a lot in these books. Noah is a hot mess rich boy with an addiction problem and hyperfixates on Atty's love.
Reading this book I kept forgetting how young these characters were and just screaming "OH MY GOD YOU CANNOT BE IN LOVE YET!" as if they aren't 18 + 21 and still learning about the world. But it made for great emotional moments and got me teary.
I did get annoyed at alcohol being pushed onto Atticus so much. From the beginning of the book he talks about how he doesn't like the taste of beer and gags on it a lot. He friends keep pushing. Even at the end when Noah is no longer drinking he still forces champagne on him while Noah drinks a soda water?
The last few moments of the book is what has me conflicted. We go through this big heartbreak, growing up, and reconnecting...then the next page we are six years ahead in the epilogue and they are MARRIED? Where is the story about them adapting to this new chapter in their relationship? How did they repair what was broken? How did they change and grow together?
This book name drops my Alma Mater (Shout out to Cal State Long Beach!)
I enjoyed the chapters alternating between "before" and "after" timelines. It led for some great suspense and foreshadowing. I loved that the writing style quietly shifted in the chapters where the characters were older.
Atticus and Noah are so bad for each other its good. Atticus is an inexperienced young kid with a bright future, he loves hard, plays volleyball hard and get stuck in a "But I can fix him!" mindset about Noah. He is a sweet little angel baby who grows up a lot in these books. Noah is a hot mess rich boy with an addiction problem and hyperfixates on Atty's love.
Reading this book I kept forgetting how young these characters were and just screaming "OH MY GOD YOU CANNOT BE IN LOVE YET!" as if they aren't 18 + 21 and still learning about the world. But it made for great emotional moments and got me teary.
I did get annoyed at alcohol being pushed onto Atticus so much. From the beginning of the book he talks about how he doesn't like the taste of beer and gags on it a lot. He friends keep pushing. Even at the end when Noah is no longer drinking he still forces champagne on him while Noah drinks a soda water?
The last few moments of the book is what has me conflicted. We go through this big heartbreak, growing up, and reconnecting...then the next page we are six years ahead in the epilogue and they are MARRIED? Where is the story about them adapting to this new chapter in their relationship? How did they repair what was broken? How did they change and grow together?
This book name drops my Alma Mater (Shout out to Cal State Long Beach!)
March 13, 2025
This was pretty good. I don’t know why, but in second chance romances with dual timelines, i usually prefer a shorter past timeline. I just want to know what happened within 3 chapters and read the tension and angst that last 45 chapters 🥰
December 7, 2025
Holy shit. I feel like I’ve spent the last two days in constant pain. All I feel is pain and heartbreak. This passionate intense toxic first love just killed me.
September 25, 2025
What an incredible debut! I adore Noah & Atty. The dual time worked so well for their story. I loved getting addiction rep from the POV of the partner versus the addict…it was so beautifully done. Definitely made me shed a few tears. (FRTC)
:: “𝙉𝙤𝙖𝙝 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙘 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩.”
In his freshman year college Atticus meets Noah, this charismatic, electric, larger than life man who demands attention from everyone around him & for some reason he wants to give all of his to Atty. Despite his friend’s warnings Atty can’t help but be drawn to Noah & eventually their friendship turns into a relationship. Before he knows it Atty is attached to Noah…or is Noah attached to Atty?
“𝙉𝙤𝙖𝙝 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙖 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙚, 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙.”
Two years after Noah disappeared from Atty’s life, he’s back & Atty doesn’t know what to do. He’s been struggling to come to terms with Noah leaving & move on with his life but now he’s back & in no uncertain terms he’s back for Atty. We see Atty struggle to separate this new, sober version of Noah from the addiction, betrayal & hurt that Noah caused in their past.
“𝙃𝙚 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙙𝙧𝙪𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝, 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚—𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙣𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚.”
This is such a beautiful debut. I loved that we got to see addiction from the other side, without getting Noah’s POV we truly feel how destructive addiction can be for those who love an addict. I fell so hard to Noah & Atty for completely different reasons; the two are total opposites & yet their love for each other is equally powerful. The dual timeline worked perfectly for this story & I’m beginning to think it’s one of my favorite ways to read a second chance romance.
“𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙮. 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙄’𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙛 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙢𝙚𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪."
🩷 MM
🩶 Single POV
🩷 Dual Timeline
🩶 College Romance
🩷 Second Chance
🩶 Addiction Rep
:: “𝙉𝙤𝙖𝙝 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙘 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩.”
In his freshman year college Atticus meets Noah, this charismatic, electric, larger than life man who demands attention from everyone around him & for some reason he wants to give all of his to Atty. Despite his friend’s warnings Atty can’t help but be drawn to Noah & eventually their friendship turns into a relationship. Before he knows it Atty is attached to Noah…or is Noah attached to Atty?
“𝙉𝙤𝙖𝙝 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙖 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙚, 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙.”
Two years after Noah disappeared from Atty’s life, he’s back & Atty doesn’t know what to do. He’s been struggling to come to terms with Noah leaving & move on with his life but now he’s back & in no uncertain terms he’s back for Atty. We see Atty struggle to separate this new, sober version of Noah from the addiction, betrayal & hurt that Noah caused in their past.
“𝙃𝙚 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙙𝙧𝙪𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝, 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚—𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙣𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚.”
This is such a beautiful debut. I loved that we got to see addiction from the other side, without getting Noah’s POV we truly feel how destructive addiction can be for those who love an addict. I fell so hard to Noah & Atty for completely different reasons; the two are total opposites & yet their love for each other is equally powerful. The dual timeline worked perfectly for this story & I’m beginning to think it’s one of my favorite ways to read a second chance romance.
“𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙮. 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙄’𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙛 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙢𝙚𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪."
🩷 MM
🩶 Single POV
🩷 Dual Timeline
🩶 College Romance
🩷 Second Chance
🩶 Addiction Rep
February 5, 2026
*** 3 I like it Stars ***
I couldn't pinpoint exactly why this story didn't tug at my heartstrings, considering it has many of the elements I love in a story, such as addiction, a toxic relationship, and college/sport.
That said, it kept my attention all the way through, which is a win.
I couldn't pinpoint exactly why this story didn't tug at my heartstrings, considering it has many of the elements I love in a story, such as addiction, a toxic relationship, and college/sport.
That said, it kept my attention all the way through, which is a win.
February 13, 2026
Second read: 13/02/2026
5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️
I don’t know what this book does to me, but it’s something beautiful. I’m totally in love with Atty and Noah. I can’t stop thinking about them. I love this story so much that I would give anything to experience reading it for the first time all over again.
First read: Jan 2026
5++ stars ⭐️
This is the first five-star book I’ve read in such a long time, and actually..I cried. A lot. And for me, that’s always a good sign. it means the story really got to me and I became emotionally attached to the characters.
I’m completely obsessed with Atticus and Noah. They’re just so right together, and the love between them feels deep and addictive. Even after finishing the book, I can’t stop thinking about these two boys. Atty and Noah literally feel made for each other.
My heart really breaks for Noah. Everything he’s been through, all the hardship and pain. it really hurt to read. I love him so much, and I literally felt his struggles. He deserves so much happiness, and I just wanted to protect him the entire time and hug him so badly. i also loved their friendship circle. They’re such good people.
On to the next installment!! 🏃
5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️
I don’t know what this book does to me, but it’s something beautiful. I’m totally in love with Atty and Noah. I can’t stop thinking about them. I love this story so much that I would give anything to experience reading it for the first time all over again.
First read: Jan 2026
5++ stars ⭐️
This is the first five-star book I’ve read in such a long time, and actually..I cried. A lot. And for me, that’s always a good sign. it means the story really got to me and I became emotionally attached to the characters.
I’m completely obsessed with Atticus and Noah. They’re just so right together, and the love between them feels deep and addictive. Even after finishing the book, I can’t stop thinking about these two boys. Atty and Noah literally feel made for each other.
My heart really breaks for Noah. Everything he’s been through, all the hardship and pain. it really hurt to read. I love him so much, and I literally felt his struggles. He deserves so much happiness, and I just wanted to protect him the entire time and hug him so badly. i also loved their friendship circle. They’re such good people.
On to the next installment!! 🏃
May 3, 2025
5⭐️
I’ve been starting to feel like it’s me, i can’t enjoy books anymore. But this book has proven that I was wrong. I can like a book. If it’s written well.
I loved this book.
I mean it’s not perfect, the sentences are short and a bit blunt. Some aspects of addiction didn’t feel real here.
But otherwise. The dual timeline? The messiness and the pain of it all? Chefs kiss.
Reader gets to see two timelines almost simultaneously. And they both are train wrecks. The past one has a toxic, messy relationship that ends badly and the present one starts with an old heartbreak and doesn’t get better until the end. And it’s awesome.
Be warned that it has some sex between MC and someone else. It’s not cheating but it’s there.
I’ve been starting to feel like it’s me, i can’t enjoy books anymore. But this book has proven that I was wrong. I can like a book. If it’s written well.
I loved this book.
I mean it’s not perfect, the sentences are short and a bit blunt. Some aspects of addiction didn’t feel real here.
But otherwise. The dual timeline? The messiness and the pain of it all? Chefs kiss.
Reader gets to see two timelines almost simultaneously. And they both are train wrecks. The past one has a toxic, messy relationship that ends badly and the present one starts with an old heartbreak and doesn’t get better until the end. And it’s awesome.
Be warned that it has some sex between MC and someone else. It’s not cheating but it’s there.
October 2, 2025
Reread 9/30/25: if I could, I’d give it more than 5 stars. I reread it because I’m starting Becoming Us next and wanted to be in that head space. Still so damn good. And I cried again.
The toxicity is huge with this one and the author made me see how it happened. How they connected, how real the love was, how great both of their closest friends were through it all, how it all went sideways, and how it needed to end. Noah knew and did it in such a beautiful and painful way. And while this story is in Atty’s pov, the author wrote it so well that I absolutely felt Noah’s pov, too. Noah ♥️ so precious, so conflicted, so effed up…and so strong.
I’m SO ready for Noah’s pov.
Original review 3/27/25:
I freakin love this book. I don’t think this review will express everything you want to know about it other than I loved it. I was hooked from the beginning but I was wrecked, cried like a baby, at a couple points and I love that. The way this author puts words together moves me. I was so invested the entire time.
“I need to let you go, Noah,” I whispered against his warm skin. “I know.” His voice broke.
“It’s okay.” He sniffled again. “You can let me go. It’s okay,” he said, but I heard him trying to quiet the sounds of his crying. We held each other tightly for a while.
He approached quietly and waited before leaning down and kissing my cheek. “I love you, Atty,” he whispered. My chest twisted painfully. “Goodbye.” He kissed my cheek softly again before leaving. I opened my eyes when the door to my room closed. The space before me felt too vast. There was an emptiness in my chest. It felt like it was ripping me apart. I closed my eyes and turned, giving my back to the void.
My heart hurt so much for each of them at different times but I was so affected by Noah. The way he loved Atty made me smile as well as hurt my heart.
I went into this story not knowing if they’d have an HEA and at 93% I was beginning to wonder. How the author showed, not told, their pain and struggles and then their growth and healing made it hard to put this book down.
PS
The only slight downside for me was not seeing more of them after deciding to be together again. I read on the author’s IG that a sequel, Becoming Us, this time from Noah’s pov, is coming and it seems like it’s what I’m looking for…I’m excited to see the work to get and stay in a good place together.
The toxicity is huge with this one and the author made me see how it happened. How they connected, how real the love was, how great both of their closest friends were through it all, how it all went sideways, and how it needed to end. Noah knew and did it in such a beautiful and painful way. And while this story is in Atty’s pov, the author wrote it so well that I absolutely felt Noah’s pov, too. Noah ♥️ so precious, so conflicted, so effed up…and so strong.
I’m SO ready for Noah’s pov.
Original review 3/27/25:
I freakin love this book. I don’t think this review will express everything you want to know about it other than I loved it. I was hooked from the beginning but I was wrecked, cried like a baby, at a couple points and I love that. The way this author puts words together moves me. I was so invested the entire time.
“I need to let you go, Noah,” I whispered against his warm skin. “I know.” His voice broke.
“It’s okay.” He sniffled again. “You can let me go. It’s okay,” he said, but I heard him trying to quiet the sounds of his crying. We held each other tightly for a while.
He approached quietly and waited before leaning down and kissing my cheek. “I love you, Atty,” he whispered. My chest twisted painfully. “Goodbye.” He kissed my cheek softly again before leaving. I opened my eyes when the door to my room closed. The space before me felt too vast. There was an emptiness in my chest. It felt like it was ripping me apart. I closed my eyes and turned, giving my back to the void.
My heart hurt so much for each of them at different times but I was so affected by Noah. The way he loved Atty made me smile as well as hurt my heart.
I went into this story not knowing if they’d have an HEA and at 93% I was beginning to wonder. How the author showed, not told, their pain and struggles and then their growth and healing made it hard to put this book down.
PS
The only slight downside for me was not seeing more of them after deciding to be together again. I read on the author’s IG that a sequel, Becoming Us, this time from Noah’s pov, is coming and it seems like it’s what I’m looking for…I’m excited to see the work to get and stay in a good place together.
March 3, 2025
toxic much
maybe i need to start reading content warnings because there is nothing romantic about a bipolar narcissist that is addicted to cocaine while successfully manipulating their partner, pressuring them into being intimate to distract from their wrongdoings. a lot of these "spicey" scenes were very rape-y. They should not have ended up together. this felt like horror the way i was so anxious about who atticus would end up with (i was praying ANYONE but noah) The only reason i finished is because i was already 80% the way through when i realized she was not going to introduce a new love interest. big yikes. don't read this, or if you do please don't think this is how you or anyone should ever be treated by someone who claims to love you. BIG yikes
maybe i need to start reading content warnings because there is nothing romantic about a bipolar narcissist that is addicted to cocaine while successfully manipulating their partner, pressuring them into being intimate to distract from their wrongdoings. a lot of these "spicey" scenes were very rape-y. They should not have ended up together. this felt like horror the way i was so anxious about who atticus would end up with (i was praying ANYONE but noah) The only reason i finished is because i was already 80% the way through when i realized she was not going to introduce a new love interest. big yikes. don't read this, or if you do please don't think this is how you or anyone should ever be treated by someone who claims to love you. BIG yikes
August 13, 2025
First things first: this book contains some triggers so please check the tw-list before reading. The relationship between the MCs isn't always nice and perfect, since one of them represents an add!ct.
I knew this book would throw me into an emotional rollercoaster and that it really did 🤧
This story is such a special one, hitting you deep and not letting you go. It's raw and unique and you want to comfort the characters while simultaneously shake them at times, it's like you feel everything all at once 😭
The book is written in two different time-lines, switching between the 'before' and 'after' and is written from Atticus' POV. The second book, written from Noah's POV, is coming soon.
Noah and Atticus go to college and they play volleyball, at least that's the plan for Atticus. When he meets Noah, is is pretty much gone, feeling an instant connection with him. Noah has his problems to deal with, but the way these two characters love each other is real and deeply.
The writing of this book was amazing, and I lost the track of time while reading, that's how invested I was with this beautiful story 🤍
I honestly cannot wait for the second book now, I need more of them 🥹
I knew this book would throw me into an emotional rollercoaster and that it really did 🤧
This story is such a special one, hitting you deep and not letting you go. It's raw and unique and you want to comfort the characters while simultaneously shake them at times, it's like you feel everything all at once 😭
The book is written in two different time-lines, switching between the 'before' and 'after' and is written from Atticus' POV. The second book, written from Noah's POV, is coming soon.
Noah and Atticus go to college and they play volleyball, at least that's the plan for Atticus. When he meets Noah, is is pretty much gone, feeling an instant connection with him. Noah has his problems to deal with, but the way these two characters love each other is real and deeply.
The writing of this book was amazing, and I lost the track of time while reading, that's how invested I was with this beautiful story 🤍
I honestly cannot wait for the second book now, I need more of them 🥹
July 27, 2025
Echoes Of Us is book one in Us series. This MM second chance romance story is about Atticus and Noah.
This story features a dual timeline and is a single POV. Atty and Noah quickly become obsessed with each other, and their relationship was so toxic. This book had me so emotional, and the addiction and struggles made it hard to read at times. This was a heartbreaking story and it left me wanting and needing more of Atty and Noah in their HEA.
This story features a dual timeline and is a single POV. Atty and Noah quickly become obsessed with each other, and their relationship was so toxic. This book had me so emotional, and the addiction and struggles made it hard to read at times. This was a heartbreaking story and it left me wanting and needing more of Atty and Noah in their HEA.
July 21, 2025
Such a toxic relationship and the sexual manipulation was just gross. Also we don’t see them work through anything at the end. Someone said not all romances should be HEA and I could not agree more. Also the dual timeline got boring as we already knew what happened in the “before” so it was such a drag everytime it went back to that.
July 30, 2025
не мала якихось особливих очікувань від книжки (ладно, я очікувала прохідний мм романс), а вона так добре пройшлась по всіх моїх больових точках. навіть не стільки в питаннях з наркотиками, а в маніпуляціях. дуже боляче, дуже добре, кайф
знову віддаю серденько пані Юлі за файні рекомендації! друга книга підряд просто вау
знову віддаю серденько пані Юлі за файні рекомендації! друга книга підряд просто вау
March 2, 2026
Edit: zmieniam na 5⭐️ bo nie mogę przestać o niej myśleć!!😣
—————————
Ta książka była taka dobra wtf😦🙏
Spodziewałam się romansu, a dostałam historię o bardzo trudnej, skomplikowanej miłości - o uzależnieniu, walce i poświęceniu dla drugiej osoby. Nie sądziłam, że aż tak do mnie trafi, ale nie mogę przestać o niej myśleć.
Zakończyła się dość nagle, ale jest jeszcze drugi tom🫠 Jak tylko będę miała tyle czasu, żeby poświęcić mu cały dzień, i wystarczająco siły psychicznej, żeby mnie nie rozłożył, na pewno się za niego zabiorę🥲
—————————
Ta książka była taka dobra wtf😦🙏
Spodziewałam się romansu, a dostałam historię o bardzo trudnej, skomplikowanej miłości - o uzależnieniu, walce i poświęceniu dla drugiej osoby. Nie sądziłam, że aż tak do mnie trafi, ale nie mogę przestać o niej myśleć.
Zakończyła się dość nagle, ale jest jeszcze drugi tom🫠 Jak tylko będę miała tyle czasu, żeby poświęcić mu cały dzień, i wystarczająco siły psychicznej, żeby mnie nie rozłożył, na pewno się za niego zabiorę🥲
January 17, 2025
5⭐
This book was difficult to rate. It was hard to discern whether Noah's character was presenting early signs of an abuser or an insecure addict in denial. His attempt to isolate Atty, the manipulations, the jealousy... the list goes on; it was initially confusing.
But then, addiction is a complex subject that comes in different sizes, shapes, and forms, so I eventually forgave Noah for being all over the place.
Why did I award it five stars?
This book held my attention from the very first page to the last, without any pauses.
I also think the correlation between unmanaged mental health and addiction was well presented.
Lastly, the author managed to alternate between the past and present (dual timeline) beautifully.
I highly recommend it if you are into comfort and hurt second chance romance.❤️❤️
This book was difficult to rate. It was hard to discern whether Noah's character was presenting early signs of an abuser or an insecure addict in denial. His attempt to isolate Atty, the manipulations, the jealousy... the list goes on; it was initially confusing.
But then, addiction is a complex subject that comes in different sizes, shapes, and forms, so I eventually forgave Noah for being all over the place.
Why did I award it five stars?
This book held my attention from the very first page to the last, without any pauses.
I also think the correlation between unmanaged mental health and addiction was well presented.
Lastly, the author managed to alternate between the past and present (dual timeline) beautifully.
I highly recommend it if you are into comfort and hurt second chance romance.❤️❤️
December 28, 2024
Rounding up to 4 because this was a very impressive debut that covered addiction, codependency, and toxic relationships with SO much potential but ultimately didn’t stick the landing for me.
Echoes of Us is a second chance romance that follows a dual timeline. The before timeline was great, albeit unpleasant to read because the relationship is unhealthy. I really resonated with the representation of what it’s like to be in a relationship with someone who’s a little too dependent on you to the point where it becomes toxic.
The After timeline, however, I thought was severely underdeveloped and underutilized. The majority of the after timeline was wasted on meandering denial (which was fully justified for the character, but it’s a romance, cut to the romance bits!).
They don’t really have a real conversation until the last chapter of After which makes us miss out on all the healing and romance of the relationship. The redemption felt drawn out for no reason because it was just more of the same until the last chapter. And I know the author would have done amazing writing it! If anything I wish this book was like 100 pages longer to reach its full potential. I also wish we could have gotten Noah’s POV in After because all we got of him in the before was his brain in addict-mode and we never really got to see him healed and doing better except through Atticus pushing him away.
I’m honestly kind of annoyed because if it was like 100 pages longer and did a little bit more it could have been 5 stars😭😭
Overall I’m gonna keep my eyes pealed for Alex Cross’s next book because I did love her writing and these characters and this had so much potential.
Echoes of Us is a second chance romance that follows a dual timeline. The before timeline was great, albeit unpleasant to read because the relationship is unhealthy. I really resonated with the representation of what it’s like to be in a relationship with someone who’s a little too dependent on you to the point where it becomes toxic.
The After timeline, however, I thought was severely underdeveloped and underutilized. The majority of the after timeline was wasted on meandering denial (which was fully justified for the character, but it’s a romance, cut to the romance bits!).
They don’t really have a real conversation until the last chapter of After which makes us miss out on all the healing and romance of the relationship. The redemption felt drawn out for no reason because it was just more of the same until the last chapter. And I know the author would have done amazing writing it! If anything I wish this book was like 100 pages longer to reach its full potential. I also wish we could have gotten Noah’s POV in After because all we got of him in the before was his brain in addict-mode and we never really got to see him healed and doing better except through Atticus pushing him away.
I’m honestly kind of annoyed because if it was like 100 pages longer and did a little bit more it could have been 5 stars😭😭
Overall I’m gonna keep my eyes pealed for Alex Cross’s next book because I did love her writing and these characters and this had so much potential.
Read
May 1, 2025DNF @ 43%
Maybe I’m in a bad mood 🤷🏻♀️ Maybe I’m just getting older 🤷🏻♀️ But nothing about this story was romantic and I really could not stand Noah, one of the MCs.
Look I love angsty romances with toxic characters (I am a Greg Ashe stan!) but this rarely works when told in singular point of view. All we see or hear from is poor, broken, young and naive Atticus dealing with what appears to be an incredibly toxic relationship. Noah’s pov was deeply needed here in my opinion because enough is not revealed to explain why he’s such a jackass.
Everyone else loves this so it’s probably a me thing 🤷🏻♀️
Maybe I’m in a bad mood 🤷🏻♀️ Maybe I’m just getting older 🤷🏻♀️ But nothing about this story was romantic and I really could not stand Noah, one of the MCs.
Look I love angsty romances with toxic characters (I am a Greg Ashe stan!) but this rarely works when told in singular point of view. All we see or hear from is poor, broken, young and naive Atticus dealing with what appears to be an incredibly toxic relationship. Noah’s pov was deeply needed here in my opinion because enough is not revealed to explain why he’s such a jackass.
Everyone else loves this so it’s probably a me thing 🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
Well…this started out SO good, but the end had me SO disappointed.
Atticus and Noah had me so deeply invested in their story I could NOT put this book down. I loved the before and after chapters—they meshed and flowed and painted a beautiful picture of love and heartbreak. This is a love story filled with ups and downs; you’re going on a ride with Att and Noah.
Alex did a fantastic job of showing us the highs and lows; when things were good, they were so good they had me swooning and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. When things were bad, it had a knot in my stomach; I was just as upset as the MC’s, specifically Att, and couldn’t help but want to shake them both for the way they were acting!
Noah is a BALL of energy and chaos and Att was his opposite in every way. Serious. Quiet. Introverted. Atticus grows exponentially in this book—he stands up for himself, leans on his supports, and knows his worth. I loved how he KNEW he couldn’t give in to Noah toward the end!
I also ADORED their friends—Ezra, Colin, and Holly were seriously some of the best friends these two could have asked for! The running joke was that Ezra and Colin were Atticus’ mom and dad, but it just shows how protective they were of Att! I loved that we saw them regularly throughout the book—they were big parts of Noah and Atticus’ lives and Alex portrayed their relationships well!
All that being said, I was so, so disappointed with the last 20% of this book. Atticus and Noah go THROUGH it. Their story is one of BIG heartbreak and to see very little of them back together “after”, was super disappointing. The back and forth, the fight, it’s ALL there, but to not give us ANY chapters once they start to work through things killed this book for me. To give an epilogue from the point of view of them being married, but we didn’t get to see them work toward that point? Why?! Noah had a LOT to show Atticus—mainly in how he’s changed and I would have LOVED to see a few chapters with that. I didn’t love the way it seemed like Atticus just rolled over and forgot it all—he knows Noah has changed, BUT SHOW US!! Show us that from a standpoint in which they’re back together, show us that SLOW that they promised to go. So for that, I can’t rate this one above ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Alex gave us a LOT to build their story and it just felt so rushed and out of place to not get MORE after…
Atticus and Noah had me so deeply invested in their story I could NOT put this book down. I loved the before and after chapters—they meshed and flowed and painted a beautiful picture of love and heartbreak. This is a love story filled with ups and downs; you’re going on a ride with Att and Noah.
Alex did a fantastic job of showing us the highs and lows; when things were good, they were so good they had me swooning and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. When things were bad, it had a knot in my stomach; I was just as upset as the MC’s, specifically Att, and couldn’t help but want to shake them both for the way they were acting!
Noah is a BALL of energy and chaos and Att was his opposite in every way. Serious. Quiet. Introverted. Atticus grows exponentially in this book—he stands up for himself, leans on his supports, and knows his worth. I loved how he KNEW he couldn’t give in to Noah toward the end!
I also ADORED their friends—Ezra, Colin, and Holly were seriously some of the best friends these two could have asked for! The running joke was that Ezra and Colin were Atticus’ mom and dad, but it just shows how protective they were of Att! I loved that we saw them regularly throughout the book—they were big parts of Noah and Atticus’ lives and Alex portrayed their relationships well!
All that being said, I was so, so disappointed with the last 20% of this book. Atticus and Noah go THROUGH it. Their story is one of BIG heartbreak and to see very little of them back together “after”, was super disappointing. The back and forth, the fight, it’s ALL there, but to not give us ANY chapters once they start to work through things killed this book for me. To give an epilogue from the point of view of them being married, but we didn’t get to see them work toward that point? Why?! Noah had a LOT to show Atticus—mainly in how he’s changed and I would have LOVED to see a few chapters with that. I didn’t love the way it seemed like Atticus just rolled over and forgot it all—he knows Noah has changed, BUT SHOW US!! Show us that from a standpoint in which they’re back together, show us that SLOW that they promised to go. So for that, I can’t rate this one above ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Alex gave us a LOT to build their story and it just felt so rushed and out of place to not get MORE after…
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April 16, 2025No rating only my ranting, haha
this is not a good book in any way. I struggled with finishing it and still hoped that maybe it would surprise me in the end. but no. starting from the chapters divided into: before and after (take into consideration this is somewhat second chance book) - what sense does it make when the entire "mystery" or rather reason for separation is revealed in a second chapter? the structure loses its sense completely. then moving onto the writing style, one i don't like byt maybe it won't bother you as much - with exaggerated use of dialogues, the same phrases repeated over and over again, argh. And lastly, ANNOYING characters. I haven't met two characters so irritating in a long time. It's impossible to like them because we don't learn anything nice about them. they are supposedly studying, but most of their uni time are parties, they are supposedly playing volleyball, but the description of the game is about 2 sentences for the entire book. They seem destined for each other, but how and where, and why? Where did the attraction and deep connection come from? they don't exchange a single decent, let alone profound, conversation with each other, about dreams, plans, interests whatsoever... Niente, nada. But after their second meeting, we are supposed to believe that they will fight for their relationship to death. exactly, relationship. this is the only book with a second chance trope in which I wished with all my heart that the characters would not get back together. For me, this relationship is a RED FLAG. and I'm not talking about drugs here. I know many great books about relationships and addiction, where the characters fight and struggle and the hea is hard won and full of hope and purpose. Well, it's not that book. Maybe you'll find joy and hope in it, or reason for MCs second chance - I can't.
this is not a good book in any way. I struggled with finishing it and still hoped that maybe it would surprise me in the end. but no. starting from the chapters divided into: before and after (take into consideration this is somewhat second chance book) - what sense does it make when the entire "mystery" or rather reason for separation is revealed in a second chapter? the structure loses its sense completely. then moving onto the writing style, one i don't like byt maybe it won't bother you as much - with exaggerated use of dialogues, the same phrases repeated over and over again, argh. And lastly, ANNOYING characters. I haven't met two characters so irritating in a long time. It's impossible to like them because we don't learn anything nice about them. they are supposedly studying, but most of their uni time are parties, they are supposedly playing volleyball, but the description of the game is about 2 sentences for the entire book. They seem destined for each other, but how and where, and why? Where did the attraction and deep connection come from? they don't exchange a single decent, let alone profound, conversation with each other, about dreams, plans, interests whatsoever... Niente, nada. But after their second meeting, we are supposed to believe that they will fight for their relationship to death. exactly, relationship. this is the only book with a second chance trope in which I wished with all my heart that the characters would not get back together. For me, this relationship is a RED FLAG. and I'm not talking about drugs here. I know many great books about relationships and addiction, where the characters fight and struggle and the hea is hard won and full of hope and purpose. Well, it's not that book. Maybe you'll find joy and hope in it, or reason for MCs second chance - I can't.
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